Ross Findlater
October 2, 1938 - October 16, 2023
Ross died unexpectedly this week, surrounded by his loving family in person and by phone.
Ross was born in Hamilton, Ontario and worked as a social worker with children and families coping with psychiatric disorders.
He and his wife Sue and young family moved to the Yukon in 1977, where he worked in several leadership roles within the Department of Health & Social Services.
He also served as the Executive Director of the Yukon Family Services Association for many years.
One of his passions was community involvement. Ross affected many Yukon lives by collaborating in the development of the United Way, the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, the Teen Parent Centre, the Yukon Child Development Centre and other services to strengthen our community and the ways we care.
Ross was fortunate to enjoy many happy years in retirement, volunteering his time with the Whitehorse Food Bank and the national boards of the United Way and Canadian Mental Health Association. He and Sue were also privileged to enjoy travel to many different countries. Lively family games were also a joy throughout his life.
Many thanks to the frontline health team at Whitehorse General Hospital for their compassionate and respectful support during his passing.
All are welcome to a grief and gratitude gathering on Sunday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage North, 1101 Centennial St in Whitehorse. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Whitehorse Food Bank or United Way.
Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar
In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.
Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.
Comments (10)
Christopher Wheeler on Jan 1, 2024 at 7:33 pm
I remember Ross as a very nice man. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to Sue and all who knew him.
Tristan on Oct 23, 2023 at 9:36 am
Ross Findlater was a kind and intelligent man. I volunteered with him for a few years, and it was an absolute privilege to spend time with him.
My deepest sympathies to Sue and family.
Hugo Y. on Oct 20, 2023 at 8:18 am
Ross and I were so similar it's uncanny.
Linda Johnson on Oct 19, 2023 at 4:17 pm
Ross was a wonderful humane and gentle soul - so generous with his time, talents, energy and passion for making a good world for everyone everywhere. Our condolences go out to all his family and friends. He will be remembered for all the good he did though many decades in the Yukon. Love and prayers for Sue and family, Linda Johnson & David Ashley & family
Doug Caldwell on Oct 19, 2023 at 9:56 am
Sad news indeed. My condolences to Ross's family and friends. Ross was a dynamic leader in Yukon's volunteer community encouraging others to pitch in and do good things for our communities. He will be missed for his vision of a better Yukon and his compassion for our citizens. Rest in Peace Sir.
Beverly Brazier on Oct 18, 2023 at 3:25 pm
I'm so sorry to hear this. I have admired him ever since I came to Whitehorse. My deepest sympathy to Sue and all his family and friends.
Charlotte Hrenchuk on Oct 18, 2023 at 1:05 pm
My sincerest condolences Sue and family. Ross was a huge force and advocate for positive change in this community, as well as a wonderful person. He will be missed by so many people.
Audrey Mclaughlin on Oct 18, 2023 at 11:32 am
I was so sorry to hear about Ross. He made a huge cont ribution to our community. Sincere condolences to Sue and family.
Lillian Nakamura Maguire on Oct 18, 2023 at 11:21 am
I am so sorry to hear of Ross' passing. My condolences go out to Sue and the family. He was such a powerful advocate for families and vulnerable people in our community. He laid the groundwork for the work to continue in our community. Peace be with you all.
Ron Pond on Oct 18, 2023 at 10:44 am
Jo & I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Sue and the entire Findlater family for the loss of a true friend, a strong community volunteer and advocate who's legacy will be remembered well into the future.