September 18, 1950 – December 1, 2020
Ross, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Tuesday, December 01, 2020 at Selkirk General Hospital with family by his side, after a courageous battle with multiple health issues. Ross was given two months to live, a few weeks before his wedding and 66th birthday. By God’s grace and mercy, he made it to 4 years of marriage and his 70th birthday.
Ross was born to Hugh and Ida Williamson and raised with his sisters Sharon and Donna in Selkirk, Manitoba. He was a wild and rambunctious youngster who loved his toy cars. He attended Selkirk Collegiate Institute as a high school student. He was student body president and very popular with other students and was known as the defender of the “underdog”.
Ross worked in the car business most of his career and has personally owned over 350 cars, his motto was “Don’t Toss, Ring Ross”. He was known as the friendly guy with the handle bar moustache. He played Selkirk’s Santa Claus for generations of children. He put together an elaborate Christmas display with an old car and Santa in the front seat.
Ross was also known for his generosity and helping out anyone who needed it. He emerged as the relief to many a stranded motorist. He was always available, regardless of the situation. There was no bridge toofar.
Music was a great love of his, and he taught himself how to play guitar at age 35. Ross had a beautiful and unique voice and loved playing and singing. Whether church, jam night, wedding, funeral or fireside, he will be remembered as a great talent, and for his rendition of “The Bear”.
Later in life Ross met and married Darlene, the love of his life, and they were blessed by 20 happy years together. Ross and Darlene enjoyed hosting many neighbourhood gatherings and were always the first to volunteer. They lived for 3 years on a farm in St. Andrews, where Ross constructed a 9 Hole Golf Course. They would host an annual “Calder Cup Golf Invitational” complete with Green Jackets and trophies.
They settled in Pelican Bay where he appointed himself as Mayor, and protector of the close-knit village. If anyone needed something Ross was the man to see. He’d have the tools, or a car or truck (take your pick!), and the snowblower, lawnmower or golf cart were always ready to roll. He was very proud of his “Garagemahal”, where he had it all. He would say “If I ain’t got it, you don’t need it”
Ross and Darlene were together for 16 years prior to tying the knot in 2016. Family and friends gathered on a beautiful day in September to celebrate the life the two of them had built. Ross’s romantic nature showed when he declared his love for Darlene by singing “Dar’s song” during the ceremony at St. George’s Wakefield Anglican Church. Surrounded by photos, music, cars and loved ones they danced the night away.
Ross was a proud dad to his kids Keri and Ross (who he nicknamed “Chopper”) who followed in his footsteps with his love of cars. Many years were spent camping and at family gatherings. Ross and his family enjoyed life to the fullest. There were also many “Rod Run’s” and car shows that occupied weekends. Thank you Dad for instilling us with respect for others and ourselves and for always supporting and believing in us.
His love for animals has always been great, and he loved each and every one, although they all drove him crazy. He will be greatly missed by his fur-babies, Thelma, Louise and Itty Bitty. He was generous supporter and believer in the work of independent animal rescue shelters.
Ross is survived by his wife Darlene, daughter Keri (Ryan) Ramsdale, son Ross Williamson (Britt), grandchildren: Maddex, and Lotus Williamson, Eli, Eva and Jake Ramsdale. Sisters: Sharon Purvis and Donna (Don) Hoye, and many nieces and nephews. Brothers-in-law: David and Doug Calder, and sister-in-law Brenda.
He was predeceased by his parents Hugh and Ida Williamson, brother-in-law Ted Purvis, father-in-law Vernon Calder and sister-in-law Barb (Queenie) McKeen
Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. George’s Wakefield Anglican Church, Box 219, 8716 PTH#9, Clandeboye, MB R0P 0P0, or an independent pet and rescue shelter.
A special thank you to our family and friends (you know who you are) who have stepped up and helped us during this difficult time.
Good bye from the “Good Ol’ Dog”
15 thoughts on “(Hugh) Ross Williamson”
To Darlene and all the family. Ross and I go back a very long way. He was very definitely a special person and we will miss him .I would need a thousand or more pages to tell all we went through over the years. I will miss you buddy Rest in peace, till we meet again. Dennis Whall and Family
Strength and hope will come again but for now let your heart and spirit heal. Thinking of You
Billy and Chris Purvis
Our heartfelt condolences Dar and family. Ross will always be missed and forever remembered. Rest In Peace Ross. Kent and Jill Shackleford
So very sorry to hear of Ross’s passing .
Our sincere condolences to the family, especially Keri and Ross. Our family will always remember the night “ Santa Claus” paid an early visit to our home on Grain Avenue, and we are forever grateful to Ross for that delightful experience.
Our deepest condolences to Dar and family, Ross was certainly a giving person, we will always have our many fun memories of time spent together……RIP Ross…..Sandra and Allen
My deepest condolences, He was a very special man, I’m thankful to have known him..
Condolences sent to the family of Ross. Dar you are in my thoughts and sending hugs and love at this time of grief.
Sorry to hear of Ross leaving us ,,, The man was the best , never once did i run in to him where he dident have a smile on his mug and ask me what kinda trouble you causing today Freeman ,,, Made my day running into the old bugger ,,,, Going to miss ya buddy but ill see you on the other side one day ,,, YOUR GONE BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ,,,
Such fond memories of Uncle Ross. From being Santa to me when I was growing up and then to playing him for my girls when they joined the family, to going over and playing with my cousins and always finding things I wasn’t supposed to touch in the garage. One of my favorite memories is Christmas eve in Church, you could always hear him over everyone else, just like Potts. My heart goes out to Keri, Chopper and Darlene and his entire family, my thoughts and love are with you all
Darlene and the family of Ross
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your hubby, dad and granddad
Sincerely Colleen and Randy Alleyne
Person note good bye my schoolhood friend
My deepest condolences to Darlene and family. Ross was a wonderful person always helping out the neighbors, especially my parents when they lived in the area. He will be deeply missed by all. Take care Darlene.
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Ross. Our deepest condolences go out to Darlene and to Ross’s family. He will fondly be remembered by everyone who knew him. We will never forget him coming to the house at Christmas as Santa. This is a precious memory for us. He was a kind bubbly generous individual who will be missed by all. May it give you strength to know he is now in the Good Hands of the Lord.
Deepest condolences to Dar & family.
Ross was a true friend & will definitely be missed by all.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Sharon and Donna: one of the hardest things in life is to lose a sibling. One day you will need an answer to a question that only they have the answer for and you call his number then realize he won’t answer and you will never get the answer to your question. Then you cry. God bless you and your families.