Duncan McUbric Ross

Duncan McUbric Ross, born August 14, 1936, died peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Victoria BC having just celebrated his 89^th birthday. He is survived by his loving wife Janet, children Cindy (Tom), Dean (Lorna) and Jody (Guy) as well as stepchildren Debi (lan), Jeffrey (Vivian) and son Kyle. He also leaves behind his sister Marina, Grandchildren Grant, Adam, Sean, Brendan, Natalie, Oliver and Rachel, as well as Great Grandchildren Zephyr, Charlotte and Austin. He was predeceased by his first wife Loraine.

“Dunc” was born in Simpson Saskatchewan alongside his twin brother Donald, who died in 1942 at age 5. Donald and Duncan were the youngest of 9 children born to their mother Louise and father James, who after arriving in Canada from Elgin Scotland in 1928, settled in the Stalwart district of Saskatchewan. In 1938 a move was made to the Lake City District just outside of Imperial and subsequently, prompted by his fathers’ failing health, the family moved to a “Wee house” in Imperial Saskatchewan in 1942.

Growing up in Imperial, Dunc cut his teeth in the working world doing odd jobs for Nels Berggren who ran the local pool hall/barber shop. With work taking priority over school, 1953 saw Dunc start full time at Security Lumber in Imperial. Recognizing the lack of opportunity in Imperial, his mother cut out a notice from the Regina Leader advertising for a job at Stewart & Hudson Lumber Yard in Nanaimo BC, prompting a move to Vancouver Island in 1955.

Duncan married his first wife Loraine in 1958 in Duncan BC. The family moved to Port Alberni BC in 1964 where Dunc started his new job as sales rep for Wescraft Windows. In 1967 they moved to Courtenay BC and then on to Victoria BC in 1973 on being promoted to Island Sales Manager. An ever-expanding role at Wescraft led to the purchase of the company with 3 partners in 1985. The sale of the business in 1989 offered early retirement for Dunc and Loraine only to be sadly interrupted by Loraine’s lengthy illness and death in 1994.

Being a prairie boy meant curling was in your blood and Dunc was no different. Carrying that passion for the game to the West Coast, 1970 saw Dunc and his Courtenay teammates capture The Elks Corby Cup national championship trophy in Dauphin Manitoba. Curling also brought him a rare “8 ender” while skipping the family team in a 1978 Bonspiel. Switching from the curling rink to the golf course was an easy transition that had him “shoot his age” several times as he played well in to his 80’s.

It was golf that brought him the good fortune of meeting his second wife Janet, whom he would marry in 1997. Their shared passion for travel and golf would see them enjoying many adventures local and overseas, sprinkled between family time and winter golf tours to Arizona and California.

Failing health would not deter a sharp mind and a keen interest in current news and sports. Dunc was an enthusiastic and valued participant in many a discussion right up to his final days. His clear thought, calm demeanor and jovial chuckle will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

The family would like to thank all those who provided exceptional health care to Duncan these past years with a special “Thank You” conveyed to all the staff at SPH Center Unit and Palliative Care Unit for their compassion and professionalism in his final weeks. With that in mind, the family would request, in lieu of flowers and if desired, a donation be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation in his name to ensure continued access to local health care which we so valued. https://sphf.ca

There will be no service.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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