Alexander "Ross" Curtis

It is with the greatest sadness that the family of Ross Curtis announces his sudden but peaceful death on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at his home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Alexander Ross Curtis was born in Tredegar, UK, on August 6, 1931. He attended school and University in Swansea, Wales, studying Modern Languages. He was an instructor in the Education Corps during his military service, and then was offered a post in the University of Toronto’s French Department where he was a highly respected teacher and administrator. In 1964 he married Judy, a former student, who became a faculty member as well. In 1966 he completed a doctorate for the Sorbonne (University of Paris). On retiring with the rank of Associate Professor, the Curtises moved to Halifax where they enjoyed sixteen happy years.

In the words of his brother-in-law, Jack Schoon: ‘I will remember Ross for many things, including his curiosity, his love of language and languages. His keen desire to listen to radio from around the world, his love of theatre. His love and care for family and friends. His loyalty, gentleness, generosity and compassion, his sense of humour. His pride in Judy’s abilities. His talent for music, competence in the kitchen, enthusiasm for food, interest in wine-making. His love of scholarship. His pioneering efforts in film and video creation. He remembered the language of his native Wales but eagerly embraced the future of technology and computers. He never complained about his health problems of which he had many. He pricked the bombast of fools with wit and wisdom of which he had much. I shall always remember his laughter and zest for living.’

He was deeply loved and is dearly missed by his wife Judith Ann (Millington), his sister-in-law Linda (Millington) Loth and her partner Jack.

Ross made heroic efforts to ensure that his mother was able to end her life as she wished, in her own home and bed. We take comfort in the fact that circumstances, and the VON, allowed him to do the same.

Any donations in remembrance might be made to The Arthritis Society or VON..