Obituary

Peacefully on August 16, 2023 at Headwaters Health Care Centre, Orangeville, John “Ross” Kirkwood, in his 81st year blessed to be surrounded by his loving family in his sudden final hours. Ross was the loving father of Pattye (Roy Melito), Julie (Markus Rabstein), Donald and step-daughter Chantal Daoust, Predeceased by his cherished baby girl Kelly Kirkwood (August 16, 1967) who was able to guide her Dad home to heaven all these years later. Ross was the much loved 4th of seven children born into a close and wonderful family in Erin Township to Donald Kirkwood (1975) and Kathleen Kirkwood (nee Young) (1981) and dear Brother to Doug Kirkwood (Aletha), Marion Smeaton (2010) (Bill 1981), Alan Kirkwood (Kay), Janice Bramham (Bill 2017), Linda (Harry Johnson), Pat (John Bailey). Proud Grandfather to Rita (Jesse), Maria (Farhad), Anna (Michael) and Earl, Tyler and Tatyana. Great Grandfather to Kyle, Rosalie and Vincent. Predeceased by his first wife and dear friend June Hall-Kirkwood-Scott (2020) and second wife Lynn Daoust (2021). Uncle Ross will also be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews, Dorothy (Rob Raposo 2020), Sherry (Dave), Cathy (Doug), Leah (Don), Chris (Sandy 2017), Teresa (Juan), Yvonne, Denise, Jason, Mark (Leanne 2022), Clinton (Susanne), Paul (2005), and Dean and the many more great and grand nieces and nephews. Ross will be missed by many friends especially the Coffee Time Crew. Ross retired from Chrysler (Bramalea) (Formerly American Motors Brampton) on May 31, 2001 after 37 years, he had many different jobs within the company over the years ending up in the Parts Supply Department. He truly enjoyed his work and time with his co-workers. He continued to attend the retiree meetings up until the pandemic and looked forward to seeing everyone. Ross lived in Brampton for many years and was able to retire back to Erin to be closer to his family. Ultimately ending up in Hillsburgh where he loved keeping the extensive lawn in great shape right up until the end. Words alone cannot do justice to the gracious, patient, gentle and good-natured man that Ross was. Ross knew so much about well… pretty much everything and was always learning something new. He still missed his own Dad saying “he always knew the answer!” too humble to realize he was the same to us. Ross loved nothing more than to be of help to someone and to spend time with his large and loving family. He never missed a family Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner as the entire clan piled in, so much delicious food and treasured fellowship. As well as the so many other visits year round, the birthdays, weddings, baby showers and especially the for no reason but wanted to say hi. Ross loved laughing, sharing stories and memories with us all, he was never rushed and was always quick to express his gratitude. He never lost his joy in life. We hold him in our hearts and will continue to have him with us always. Family and friends are invited and welcome to join us in honouring Ross’s memory at a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 10, 2023 – Funeral Service and Interment at Noon (12pm) at Erin Union Cemetery 5350 9th Line Erin, ON with a Reception and light lunch to follow at 1 to 4pm at the Erin Legion 12 Dundas St E Erin, ON. We are privileged to have The Reverend Deacon Irene Walback officiating. If you wish, Donations in Ross’s Memory can be made with appreciation to the Erin Union Cemetery, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 442 (Erin), the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice. You may send a condolence at www.grahamgiddyfh.com