Obituary of Graham D. Ross

On Friday, September 23, 2005, surrounded by his wife and three children, Graham passed away at peace. Graham is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 43 years, Maria Elena (nee Morelos Zaragoza), whose love and devotion to him knew no bounds, his three children, Ian, Bruce and Alison, his daughter-in-law Julie, and his precious grandchildren Emily and Matthew. Graham is also survived by his sister-in-laws Rose Garfield, Joan Ross, Vera Ross, brother-in-law Ignacio Morelos Zaragoza, cousin Kiki Anderson, and eleven nieces and nephews, Mary, Susan, Stephen, Betsy, Cathy, Fraser, Doug, Marilyn, Brian, Paula and Iona. Graham was born February 7, 1933 in Calgary, AB, the fourth son of William H. and Emily Ross and the youngest brother to Donal, Alastair and Gerald (Gerry), all of whom predeceased him. Graham earned his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta (1954) and his MBA from Harvard Business School (1957), the two places where he met many of the dear friends who have stood by him until this day. Graham started with Precision Drilling then moved to Mexico City with PMP where he met Maria Elena. As the subsequent years took him to many places, he always remained a proud Albertan with a deep rooted sense of his home and its values. Over the course of his 40 year career, Graham helped form the basis of what is today the oil services industry in Calgary. He was a friend and colleague to many of its former and current participants. He played a significant part in a number of organizations including as one of the founders and Chief Financial Officer of Kenting Exploration, and founder, President and CEO of Taro Industries. In addition to being an accomplished executive, he was a contributor and leader of several business and industry organizations that support the sector including President of the CAODC. Graham was a man of unfailing principle, fairness, humility, and generosity. His discipline and determination were guiding forces in all his pursuits and importantly, gave him the strength to face the final years of his life with good humour, courage and dignity. His children thank him for all his love and the lessons which he taught and they will endeavour to follow his example. The Ross Family would like to thank the Nurses of the Rockyview General Hospital – ICU Unit, Wanda, Debbie and Connie for their compassion and assistance. The family gives their deepest gratitude to Dr. T.M. Matthew J. van Olm, whose program of treatment allowed Graham a quality of life on his own terms for over a decade. Finally, our most profound appreciation is owed to Dr. Arthur Hanslip, and his wife Doreen, whose counsel, friendship and hope were responsible for building the base that supported Graham’s well being for much of the last 15 years. Funeral Services will be held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 – 14th Avenue S.W.) on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Brian E. Pearson, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Graham’s memory directly to Calgary Health Trust – PREP (Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercise Program) at the South Calgary Health Centre, 31 Sunpark Plaza S.E., Calgary, T2T 3W5. Telephone: 403-943-9300. In living memory of Graham Ross, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.