Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, John Robert Ross passed away peacefully on August 26, 2022, at the age of 89. JR as he was known by his close friends and family, served as an honored member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from 1954 to 1978, receiving the Commissioner's Commendation for Bravery for courage displayed in the line of duty. John retired from the RCMP and moved to Calgary, Alberta with his family in 1978, taking on a role with the Provincial Government as Bail Magistrate and Justice of the Peace until his retirement in 1993. Never one to sit still, John continued to serve, working part-time for the Commissionaires at the Harry Hays building until his ultimate retirement in 2011.

As a younger man, John enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, and dancing. After his retirement he became an avid hiker, spending many of the Canadian winters in Arizona exploring the rugged trails of the desert with friends old and new. When his days as a dedicated snowbird came to an end, John continued to enjoy the rewards of the outdoors and companionship through a Calgary-based hiking group that explored the trails of the local Rocky Mountains. John's enjoyment of music and dancing continued well into the later years of his life, where he spent many weekends enjoying time with friends, live bands, and polkas.

With little encouragement, John loved to share stories of his days growing up on the farm in Manitoba, or of his early formative years in the RCMP. John was always ready to lend a hand or go out of his way to offer someone a car ride or to run an errand for them. He was hardworking, a talented carpenter, and a very generous and honorable man. John had a caring heart of gold and will be fondly missed by those who knew and loved him. He is predeceased by his three sisters Elenor, Helen, and Betty; and his brother Jim; and survived by his remaining sister Grace; his daughter Karen; his son Daryl; and five grandchildren Megan, Scott, Shawn, Milo, and Owen.

In lieu of a formal service and burial, at John's request, his cremated ashes will be spread by his children and their families in the places that meant the most to him.