Obituary of McLAREN – Ross Vaughan

November 30, 1929 – June 23, 2011 Ross Vaughan McLaren of Calgary passed away at the Wentworth Care Center on Thursday, June 23, at the age of 81 years. Ross was born in Saltcoats, SK on November 30, 1929 and began his married and family life in Langenburg, SK. On July 20, 1969, there were two giant leaps, as Ross moved to Calgary with his wife, four children and two cats, in a 1963 Ford Galaxie and as the astronauts were landing on the moon! Imagine! Which would be the greater feat? Ross was a musician by heart, an electrician by trade and during the last chapter of his working years, he was a school caretaker for the Calgary Board of Education. Ross added electricity to his passions for music and gardening and often connected all three in his backyard with complex mood lighting and kitchen stoves to cook garden suppers and to play a little rock ‘n’ roll. The sights, sounds and smells of Ross’s backyard created an ambiance like no other and created a system of which only he could be the master. With Garden Suppers Extraordinaire, Ross knew how to attract family, friends and neighbours. Ross will be sorely missed by his children, Lowell, Randy, Jacki and Jan and daughter-in-law Denise Zentner. Ross will also be missed by his loving brother and sisters-in-law, Bev and Rae McLaren, Audrey McLaren, Elsie Hillis and Margaret Hillis, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Ross is predeceased by his beloved wife, Beryl, his parents, Aird and Millie and his brother Lorne. Ross loved his family and we all loved him. As we hear his saxophone playing, we say, “Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight.” Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Ross McLaren, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3J3 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.