With deep sadness we announce the profound loss of Roger Ross. He passed peacefully at home in Victoria, BC, surrounded by his loving family, after 95 years of a life well lived.

Roger will be greatly missed by his wife Doreen and their three children, Margo, Dave (Sylvia), and Bobby (Tania), four grandchildren Dain (Jess), Michael, Kaiulani, Declan and great-grandson Duke. We know he will be truly missed by many people near and far who knew him and called him a friend, of which there were many!

Roger was born in Everett, Washington and moved to Vancouver Island as a young boy with his parents, Percy and Dora Ross. He grew up on the Songhees Nation where his father was Chief for 25 years. He loved to hunt and fish with his Dad, often coming home from school, grabbing his shotgun to shoot pheasants in the back yard. He was a talented athlete, playing soccer, rugby, basketball and football, but his favourite was baseball, following in his father’s footsteps. After graduating from Vic High, he attended Victoria College then the University of Oregon dental school.

Returning to Victoria, Roger opened his dental practice where he ultimately became one of the best dentists in town and first to specialize in crown and bridge and full mouth reconstruction. He practiced for 47 years. Many of you may still be smiling from some of his expertise!

Roger was a long-standing member of the Vancouver Ferrier Gold Foil Study Club and President of the Victoria & District Dental Society. He was offered a dental fellowship at the University of Washington but respectfully turned it down…too much time away from family and fishing!

As a young man he took up golf and that passion would take him on many adventures, making lifelong friendships and becoming a scratch golfer. He was the Club Champion at Royal Colwood in 1959. Eventually he became a member of Victoria Golf Club in 1970 where he remained for 55 years finishing up as an Honorary Member. He was a proper legend at VGC.

He was married to the love of his life, Doreen, for 58 amazing years. What a handsome couple! They were often seen dancing the night away and generally having a ball. Behind every great man, there is a great woman. There is no exception here. They travelled to Vegas, Kauai, Europe, UK, Mexico and Australia, golfing, chilling and watching a few rugby games.

He was a devoted family man, spending loads of time with them hunting and fishing on Vancouver Island and beyond. It’s not a stretch to say he fished nearly every river on the Island. He had a pioneer spirit, going many places you shouldn’t in a camper and he caught his biggest Chinooks and shot his biggest bucks well into his 80’s. He was one of the original jiggers! He skied, coached baseball and did just about anything else you can imagine. His stories and sense of humour were legendary and he is now soaring with the eagles.

The family would like to thank Dr. Woodley, Dr. Manning, Palliative Home Care (Jasmine) and Luiza. All of whom did an amazing job looking after Roger in his final weeks and hours with care and compassion.

A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held at The Victoria Golf Club on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honour to Thunder Indigenous Rugby at https://canadianrugbyfoundation.ca/index.php/thunder-indigenous-rugby/

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Paul Dean

    I will remember Rog thru numerous humorous occasions either in hunting camp or fishing Knight Inlet along with Dave and Johnny H.
    Roger always quick to keep us on our toes with his wry wit. Those were great times and memories that Roger was a part of! At 95 Rog had a good go at it! My condolences to the family. Paul Dean (Vancouver)

  • Doug Turner

    Dear Doreen, I am so sorry yet so proud that I had a wonderful time to meet Roger.
    He was a wonderful character and I enjoyed his guidance
    I can still hear his laugh.
    Take care.
    Doug Turner

  • Colin Southcombe

    As a member of his extended family, Roger’s passing was especially sad for us. My daughter Tania is married to his son Bobby, making us fellow grandfathers. The obituary describes beautifully a well lived life and to the great age of 95. He will certainly be missed. My wife Joanne joins me is sending love and sympathy to Doreen, Bobby and the rest of the Ross family.

  • Diane Arneil

    My deepest condolences to the Ross family. A beautiful tribute to a life well lived. ❤️

  • Sue Biondo

    Condolences to the Family. May he rest in eternal peace.

  • Ross Kowalyk

    Rog was a great great man he will be missed by all

  • Scott Hender

    Reading Rog’s obituaries make me reflect on how important family is. I only met Rog twice and enjoyed every moment. Bob and Dave , this fall at the cabin we will have a toast in honour of your dad. Best regards to your mom.

  • Luiza Franco

    Mr Ross will be so missed. I know I will have a hard time not seeing him in his favourite chair watching sports . I’ll miss his smile and good morning. Hi Luiza .My Condolences to you Doreen and the whole family .
    Sending lots of love ❤️

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR