Clifford Fred Ross, longtime resident of the Grande Prairie area, passed away peacefully at Points West Living, surrounded by his loving wife and family, on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the age of 85 years.

Cliff was born in Sexsmith, AB, on July 28, 1930, the fourth of five children, to Mike and Christina Ross. He spent his childhood years in Sexsmith, then the family moved to Rycroft where he attended school. He later completed his automotive mechanic journeyman certificate in Calgary, and later his welding certificate in Edmonton. He worked as a mechanic in various locations in Rycroft, Dawson Creek and Grande Prairie. His most recent shop was Concliff Motors, Ltd., which he operated with wife, Connie, and son, Darrel, for 30 years. His commitment to his customers was of utmost importance.

Cliff married his loving wife, Connie Kaplan, January 24, 1952 in Spirit River. They were blessed with five children.

Cliff enjoyed his family most of all, but was also a sports enthusiast, playing hockey, curling, baseball and pool. He spent many hours with his grandchildren, building Lego and happy memories, and countless enjoyable evenings playing cards with longtime friends Shirley and Danny Shannon. His other love was of dogs, and he especially spoiled Tootsie.

He was predeceased by his parents: Mike and Christina (Wurtz) Ross; sister Sarah and brother in-law Bert Britton; brother Jack Ross and sister-in law Doris; and brother in-law Herb Gitzel.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 64 years Connie (Kaplan); sons: Darrel (Audrey) and Kelly (Vikki); daughters: Loraine Goff (Wayne) of High River, LeAnne Reynaud (Ian) and Marj Ross of Richmond, BC; 9 grandchildren: Juliane Roy (Eldon), Glen Lyall (Lena), Kris Kostiuk (Shantela), Natasha Rigler (Cory), Katrina Robbins (Will), Jeremy Ross, Monika Benoit (Mike), Graham Ross and Jodi Ross; along with 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great, great-grandchild; and sisters: Edith Gitzel and Ida Ross.

Many thanks to Oliver’s Funeral Home and the staff at Points West Living, Home Care and the interdisciplinary health care teams in Grande Prairie for their continuous and compassionate care of Cliff Ross.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 2:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.). Friends and family are welcome.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.