Clayton Langford Ross

Clayton Langford Ross passed away peacefully at the Peace Arch Hospital on the morning of Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, at the age of 96.

Clayton was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, on February 2, 1924. He was predeceased by his parents Sherman and Violet (Case) Ross, brother Norman, and sister Opal, and is survived by his youngest brother Garry.

In 1941, at the age of 17, Clayton joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, from which he was recruited into the Royal Canadian Navy as a signalman and participated in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Upon returning to Canada in August of 1945, he was reunited with his fiancée and love of his life, Joyce Annie Rands, and they were married in October of the same year. “Clay” and Joyce were a dynamic duo who moved countless times (though Clayton did count, and the tally is 35+) and will be remembered as being full of life, laughter, love, generosity and, of course, for their dancing. Before Joyce’s death in 2011, Clayton walked alongside, and then carried, his wife of 66 years through the difficulties that dementia brought as her dedicated and ever-loving caretaker.

Clayton had a long career in sales and management with the Singer Company Canada and later worked in other sales and residential/commercial property management before retiring in 1985. Even after officially retiring, he continued to work part-time for several funeral homes while taking on odd jobs, including sewing machine maintenance (especially Singers). Clayton was also a very devoted volunteer well into his 90’s, working at several thrift stores in the White Rock/South Surrey area. He was particularly dedicated to WorldServe Thrift Store in White Rock, and had a special affection for the people he worked with and served there.

Clayton “Papa” Ross will be lovingly remembered and mourned by his sons Darryl (Jean) and Randy (Florence), his grandchildren Sean, Laurie (Duane), Jennifer (Terry), Heather (Chris), his many great-grandchildren, his brother Garry (June), long-time friend Larry, dear friend Janet, and his many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and members of the extended family.

Clayton’s family would like to thank the staff of Pacifica Retirement Residence for the kindness and care they showed him while he was living there independently until very recently. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Peach Arch Hospital for the care given and compassion shown to him during the last several weeks of his life. Finally, thanks to Randy and Florence, who despite their own health constraints exemplified much love, care, and dedication to Clayton in these last years, especially in his final months. We are grateful.

Clayton will be forever remembered for his smiling eyes, love of laughter, and for being a fiercely independent, hard-working, strong-willed, and kind-hearted man. Always clean shaven and often found wearing a tie on his “days off”, he took pride in everything he did and deeply valued his relationships with his family and friends, who were strong in numbers. Love you forever, Papa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to WorldServe Ministries, the charity that held a special place in Clayton’s heart. A memorial for Clayton will be held at a date to be determined.