Michael Lawrence Ross

Beloved husband of Lorraine, cherished father of Silvia, Charles, and Anna, caring grandfather of David, Isabella, and Evelyn. Dearly missed by sons-in-law Mark and Harold, mourned also by Elena (Silvia and Charles mother) and extended family as well as by many friends and colleagues.

Michael was born in Detroit, Michigan to Charles and Minnie. From an early age, he loved reading and music, and a school aptitude test predicted that he would make an ideal owner of a music store. As a young student at Cranbrook Academy of Art, Michael initially played the saxophone and then became an accomplished clarinet player. He shared with his father a love of classical music, particularly the works of Schubert, Beethoven, and Mozart.

Michael attended Harvard University for his undergraduate and graduate degrees and, after working in the US, he moved to Canada and later took up citizenship. He became Professor of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University, specializing in Victorian and Modern British and Postcolonial Literatures. One of his very greatest pleasures was writing critical essays and books in his field, drafting and revising until the prose was clear and elegant: he loved to write!

While dedicated to writing and literature, Michael nurtured many interests in life and loved hearing about the lives of those he cared for. An avid visitor of art galleries, both in Toronto and abroad, he travelled widely. Among destinations dear to his heart were Italy, Ireland, and Spain. Favourite movies included The Third Man, Les regles du jeu, and Paths of Glory.

Humour was not only an academic specialization for Michael but also a personal practice. A great storyteller, he loved a good pun, composed limericks on demand, and was well-known for his wit.

Michael’s family and friends will find comfort in fond and often amusing memories of him.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders or the Princess Margaret Foundation would be appreciated. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Navjot Nannar for years of compassionate care, Dr. Anca Prica of Princess Margaret Hospital, Dr. Charmaine Lok and all the staff of the Toronto General Hospital Multi-Care Kidney Clinic, and Dr. Gary Lewis and all the staff of the Endocrinology Clinic at Toronto General Hospital, especially Lauren Lejasisaks and Yee Lee, R.N.

A visitation for Michael will be held Friday, January 12, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X1K5, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. A reception will be held at the Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home following the Service.