Tribute

Ross was born November 23, 1943 in Dryden, ON and passed away January 17, 2022 in Duncan BC.  Predeceased by his parents, Marvin & Marion Prouty, and brother Ralph Prouty.  Survived by his wife of 56 years, Yvonne, daughter Pam Chambers, son-in-law Mark and granddaughter Kelsey, daughter Dallas Prouty and granddaughters Emma and Lily Wilson.  Also survived by brother Bill Prouty, sisters Betty Peterson (Lynn), Elaine Riehl (Rick), Mavis Woods (Jack), Christine Leroux (John), Lois Basarowich (Brian) and Heather Prouty, as well as many nieces and nephews.

His childhood was spent on the family farm in Dryden, where he enjoyed sports such as judo and baseball. Being the second oldest of nine kids, Ross spent a lot of time looking after his younger siblings and helping his family. Out of this desire to help, he established a very strong work ethic at a young age.  He worked on the farm, delivered newspapers and split firewood to sell, then started his first real job at Harley’s Supermarket.  He eventually got a position in the pulp & paper mill in Dryden in the early 60’s.

In 1964 Ross met his love, Yvonne Ouellette, after being introduced by her cousin, who was his cousin’s girlfriend. Soon after Ross and Yvonne started dating, he knew she was the one and they married the following year. Ross was very happy to become a Dad when Pam was born in 1966, followed by Dallas in 1970. Being a Dad was a natural fit for him and he loved his daughters more than anything.

Ross completed an apprenticeship and became an electrician in the late 60’s. In 1972, while on vacation in Vancouver, he was captivated by the west coast.  Despite having never visited the island, he applied for an electrician position at the mill in Crofton and the family moved to Duncan in 1973.  He never regretted the decision and never left.

Life on the west coast saw Ross develop a love of camping and ocean fishing, and he spent many, many hours out on the boat with Rick.  Even though they were brothers-in-law by marriage, the two were best friends and also neighbours for the last 40 years in the duplex they built together.

In the 80’s, Ross left the Crofton mill and started his own electrical contracting business, Class A Installations.  This led to him working on some major commercial projects that he found both challenging and rewarding.  He did this for several years, then returned to working at Crofton mill to finish off his career. He officially left the mill in December 1999 but continued to work there on a contract basis until finally retiring for good a few years later.

After living with six younger sisters, then a wife and two daughters, it seemed that Ross was destined to be surrounded by females. This trend continued with his grandchildren, and he was overjoyed to have three granddaughters, Kelsey born in 1991, Emma in 2001 and Lily in 2004.  He loved them all dearly and was an amazing Grandpa.  He will be sorely missed by all of his girls.

While he mostly preferred to stay close to home doing yard work, things around the house, watching sports (Go Canucks!) or playing a family game of Uno, he did enjoy getting out for a round of golf and travelling. There were many camping and road trips over the years, as well as several journeys to faraway places. For five years he and Yvonne spent winters in Bullhead City, AZ where he liked to play slots at the casinos. The highlight of his travels was their trip to Egypt in 2008.

Ross had a gentle, quiet demeanor (unless a seal was trying to steal his fish) and had a big heart. His top priority was always to provide for and care for his family. He was the most generous guy, always willing to help out in any way he could. In addition to being a wonderful husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother and uncle, he regularly acted as the family handyman, financial advisor and counsellor. He will be fondly remembered for his dumb Dad jokes, being the grill master at summer BBQs by the pool and his insistence that anyone who was drinking needed another one.  Ross loved dogs and all the family pets quickly learned who to sit next to for treats.

There will be no service at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the BC Lung Foundation, the Prostate Cancer Foundation BC or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Ibrahim and Jason Czettisch (Mann’s Pharmacy) for their care and guidance.