Obituary of Ross Oliver Simpson

To View a Livestream of the Service Click Here

At the remarkable age of 103 years young, Ross Oliver Simpson passed peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, following a very brief stay at the Hospice Waterloo Region.

Ross was born in Kitchener, Ontario on July 23, 1922, to Charles and (Violet) Matilda Simpson. He grew up with seven siblings: Evelyn, William, Ruth, Verna, Charles Jr, Violet, and (Caroline) Mary Jane. He attended Suddaby School and Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate for his education.

While working at Burns Meat Packers in June 1941, Ross met his soulmate Ruth Emma Shantz.

In January 1943, during WWII, Ross joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and became a member of the 227^th Squadron. Following an honourable discharge, he returned home to marry Ruth on September 20, 1947 – a love story that happily continued for almost 74 years!

Ross’ many hobbies included carpet bowling, square dancing, sandlot baseball, ice skating, travelling, and cheering for the Kitchener Rangers hockey team.

Left to say goodbye are his daughter Lois Simpson (Joe Van Horn), granddaughters JoAnn (Nick) Stempien and Jennelle (Dwalu) Thomson, great-grandchildren Nicholas and Josianne, and Emiline and Ethan, along with 17 nieces & nephews and many friends.

Ross was predeceased by his parents, all siblings and their spouses, nephew Chuck and is now mercifully reunited with his loving wife.

Throughout his life, Ross was faithfully devoted to the Lord. He was a dedicated member of Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for more than 90 years.

The past many years were enriched by the selfless contributions of Joanne Dahmer, Gaye & Sherry Allen, Grażyna Klos, and would certainly have been impossible without the love and support of Debbie & Steve Ritter.

The family would also like to extend gratitude to the staff of Cook Family Residence and to Terri with HCCSS.

The funeral service will be held at Historic St. Paul’s on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:00 am EDT, 137 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W2. For anyone wishing to join via the livestream, please visit historicstpauls.ca and select the YouTube link.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kitchener or to Cook Family Residence – Hospice Waterloo Region, Waterloo or a charity of one’s choice by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.