Lewis Ross
2005-06-03
ROSS, LEWIS JAMES
Lewis James Ross passed away June 3, 2005 at the age of 84.
Lew was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the eldest of three children born to James E. and Florence Ross. Lew enjoyed trips with his parents and siblings to local lakes where he came to enjoy the outdoors. As a teenager Lew often spent weekends travelling by bicycle to Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park. This was 135 miles of gravel road from his home on a bike held together by wood and wire. He also enjoyed swimming in the North Saskatchewan river and meeting friends on an island in the river. During summer vacation he rode the rails in Saskatchewan and Alberta where he earned money while working during the harvest season. Lew graduated from Bedford Road in Saskatoon and attended one year at the University of Saskatchewan.
In 1939, with the state of WWII Canada soon began converting to manufacture of war equipment. Lew was employed by a company which had a plant in Montreal building airplanes. Upon returning to Saskatoon he joined the Canadian army and graduated from Officer's Training School. He continued while on active duty in training positions and his last assignment was at Fort Knox, Kentucky until the end of WWII.
Lew returned to Vancouver, B.C. where he graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Civil Engineering. About this time he and Marian were married. Lew was offered employment with the same company in Montreal where he was joined by his family. At sometime in the 1950's he packed up and drove across the country in his old "carry all". After reaching Idaho he began employment with the State of Idaho. He was awarded a scholarship to Yale which was the first awarded to the State of Idaho. Lew received his masters degree there in Design and Planning Highways, at the beginning of interstate freeways.
Employment found Lew is Idaho, Washington, the city of Portland, Hawaii, Alaska pipeline, city of Seattle and finally retiring in Oregon. Working later with U.S. Aid programs found Lew in Nigeria and Lesoto and a volunteer in the Maldives Islands.
Lew enjoyed all sports, especially tennis, basketball, skiing, hiking (he climbed Mt. Hood) and enjoyed square dancing. He always looked forward to his get-away at Netarts on the Oregon coast. In addition and with friends he traveled north, south, east and west with truck and fifth wheel and later by motor home. He enjoyed his homes in Portland, enjoyed life to the fullest and with a dry sense of humor. In addition he maintained contact with his parent's family in England where he visited and they in turn enjoyed his hospitality in Portland.
Lew is survived by his sister Edna and husband Bob Paterson in Saskatoon, his brother Kenneth and wife Sheral in Langley, B.C. In addition he leaves four children, Jim, Allan and Joyce Jeans in Portland and Betty Clapp in Nevada. There are also numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lew will be greatly missed by his family and friends located throughout the world and especially by the ladies. Carry-On!
Celebration of Life will be held at the Milwaukie Elks, June 30, 2005, 3 PM. Donations may be made to Friends of Timberline. Published by The Oregonian on Jun. 28, 2005.
Lewis James Ross passed away June 3, 2005 at the age of 84.
Lew was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the eldest of three children born to James E. and Florence Ross. Lew enjoyed trips with his parents and siblings to local lakes where he came to enjoy the outdoors. As a teenager Lew often spent weekends travelling by bicycle to Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park. This was 135 miles of gravel road from his home on a bike held together by wood and wire. He also enjoyed swimming in the North Saskatchewan river and meeting friends on an island in the river. During summer vacation he rode the rails in Saskatchewan and Alberta where he earned money while working during the harvest season. Lew graduated from Bedford Road in Saskatoon and attended one year at the University of Saskatchewan.
In 1939, with the state of WWII Canada soon began converting to manufacture of war equipment. Lew was employed by a company which had a plant in Montreal building airplanes. Upon returning to Saskatoon he joined the Canadian army and graduated from Officer's Training School. He continued while on active duty in training positions and his last assignment was at Fort Knox, Kentucky until the end of WWII.
Lew returned to Vancouver, B.C. where he graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Civil Engineering. About this time he and Marian were married. Lew was offered employment with the same company in Montreal where he was joined by his family. At sometime in the 1950's he packed up and drove across the country in his old "carry all". After reaching Idaho he began employment with the State of Idaho. He was awarded a scholarship to Yale which was the first awarded to the State of Idaho. Lew received his masters degree there in Design and Planning Highways, at the beginning of interstate freeways.
Employment found Lew is Idaho, Washington, the city of Portland, Hawaii, Alaska pipeline, city of Seattle and finally retiring in Oregon. Working later with U.S. Aid programs found Lew in Nigeria and Lesoto and a volunteer in the Maldives Islands.
Lew enjoyed all sports, especially tennis, basketball, skiing, hiking (he climbed Mt. Hood) and enjoyed square dancing. He always looked forward to his get-away at Netarts on the Oregon coast. In addition and with friends he traveled north, south, east and west with truck and fifth wheel and later by motor home. He enjoyed his homes in Portland, enjoyed life to the fullest and with a dry sense of humor. In addition he maintained contact with his parent's family in England where he visited and they in turn enjoyed his hospitality in Portland.
Lew is survived by his sister Edna and husband Bob Paterson in Saskatoon, his brother Kenneth and wife Sheral in Langley, B.C. In addition he leaves four children, Jim, Allan and Joyce Jeans in Portland and Betty Clapp in Nevada. There are also numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lew will be greatly missed by his family and friends located throughout the world and especially by the ladies. Carry-On!
Celebration of Life will be held at the Milwaukie Elks, June 30, 2005, 3 PM. Donations may be made to Friends of Timberline. Published by The Oregonian on Jun. 28, 2005.