Obituary of George Leslie ROSS

(Georgie to his near and dear) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of George Ross, age 73. George, an unrepentant advocate for the importance of the arts in society, had a profound effect on everyone who came into his sphere. His work in the Canadian arts scene, his knowledge of a broad spectrum of disciplines – traditional to contemporary – and his many long-held friendships with singers, conductors, writers, composers, librettists, publishers, dancers, actors, directors, choreographers, recording artists, film-makers; these were the delightful makings of what became a very large life. His reach and impact was felt nationally and internationally. He was a great friend, as well as being kind, gentle, joyful, supportive, patient, very resourceful and “always there with a smile and a hug” kind of person! George was also a family man. He was beloved partner to Sally Truss. He was brother to Heather (Jack), father to Tamara (John), Jason, and Owen (Breanna), step-father to Cassidy (Jon), Fraser (Roslyn), step-granddad to Charlie, uncle to Derek, Amanda (Ryan) and great uncle to Aidan, Chelsea, Jacob and Bailey. In the listing above one sees a thoroughly modern family making it important to note that Clarice McCord is mother to Tamara and Jason, Sara Norquay is mother to Owen, and Gordon Dobson is father to Fraser and Cassidy. Predeceased by his father Les, mother Marina and step-mother Mavis, of Courtenay, BC where he was raised, his ties remained strong even after he left to attend UBC. Since age 6, George actively performed as a singer, actor and pianist, training with Sid Williams in Courtenay at an early age before being offered an Opera scholarship at UBC. He graduated with a Masters in Music (Voice), a review of his thesis performance in 1969 states “Ross as a performer has the ability to project character, and shows a strong sense of theatre. Ross sang large roles using his light, pleasing tenor voice with intelligence and flexibility.” George acted, sang and directed throughout his entire life, the day before his passing he performed in Candide at the Banff Centre. But it was his time ‘behind the scenes’ that had the greatest impact on the Arts in Canada. Through the 1970’s George’s summers were spent camping on Tunnel Mountain with his family while production managing, stage managing, coordinating, and directing for the Opera program at the Banff Centre. During the winters, he was a freelance stage director and stage manager with opera companies in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Seattle, Portland and Winnipeg. In 1978 George and family moved to Banff full-time when he became manager of Theatre Arts, retiring in 2004 from the position of Associate Director, Operations, Theatre Arts. In between all that work he toured the continent on his “motorbyke”, more than a few times, camping his way through the Opera festival and theatre circuit of North America. Not one to retire, George took on consulting and among other things, managed Lunchbox Theatre and with Sally he co-managed Sage Theatre. He sang in the Calgary Opera chorus and became an extra in TV series’ Hell on Wheels, Heartland, Tin Star, and Fargo. George stage managed his own life beautifully, and after this final curtain call, we know he is backstage on the loading dock enjoying a beer with the cast and crew at his wrap party. It was truly a life well lived. A celebration of George’s life will be held at Calgary’s , Thursday, July 26th at 7:00 PM, who have generously given us a home for this celebration, followed by a pot-luck dinner in the Joyce Doolittle Theatre – so bring along some food to share! Additionally, an informal celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 8th at 2:00 PM in the Margaret Greenham Theatre at the Banff Centre followed by a loading dock reception. George’s expressed wish was for everyone to participate in any way in any arts related event, including film. You are also invited to give a tax-deductible donation to Sally and George’s fund for emerging artists at the Calgary Foundation. The “Truss & Ross Fund” to help artists do cool stuff is now online and can be directly accessed through the link below. All donations great and small are appreciated! Cheques are also accepted, made payable to the Calgary Foundation, indicating in the memo section “Truss & Ross Fund” and mailed to: Calgary Foundation, 1180 – 105 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 1A1.