In memory of
Ross Leslie Chiswell
November 10, 1926 - November 8, 2023
After a long and happy life, Ross Leslie Chiswell passed away peacefully at the age of 96, on November 8, 2023 in Uxbridge, Ontario surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Isobel (2014), father Arlie, mother Jean, sister Arlene, and granddaughter Lisa. Ross is survived by his children Alan (Kim), Leslie (John), Bev, Wendy (Steve), Janet (John), Roy, and Doug (Bernie), 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Born November 10, 1926 at home on Ascot Avenue, Toronto. Ross attended Allenby P.S. and then Northern Vocational School where he published a comic with a friend, played basketball badly, joined the Translake Club, and was a cheerleader for the basketball team. Ross met Isobel Wilson after graduation, as an Alumni of the Translake Club. They married in 1951 at St. James Bond United Church, had a reception at Casa Loma, then drove for 6 days in Ross’ father’s 1934 Plymouth to Miami for a 2-night honeymoon. They bought their first house in 1953, and designed and built their second home when their family grew to 7 children.
Ross began his printing career in 1947 with an apprenticeship at Canadian Gravure Printing Company, which later amalgamated to become Murray Printing, which was purchased and became Southam Murray. Ross did colour-retouching and layout. He was the first treasurer of the credit union, was a member of the International Photo-Engravers’ Union of North America and, later, Graphic Communications International Union, and was a union rep on a negotiating committee. Ross was grateful for the improvements that union membership brought to his life and family. Southam Murray’s main customers were the T. Eaton Catalogue and the Canadian Tire Catalogue. After Eaton’s terminated the catalogue in 1976 Ross lost his job and earned his Bachelor of Education at U of T. But, instead of teaching was called back to “the plant” for 10 more years before retiring at 60. He also earned two BAs and a BA Honours at Atkinson College, York University in philosophy and history while working full time. In retirement Ross and Isobel travelled for several years including to China, Egypt, Russia and Europe. In 2000 they moved to Uxbridge to be closer to family members.
Ross had many hobbies over the years including photography and home movies, model building, beer brewing, stamp and coin collecting, woodworking, crosswords, reading, and piano. During the COVID pandemic, he took up short story writing where he explored the theme of unsatisfied and adventurous wives. Ross was a quiet man with an excellent sense of humour. He was interested in U.S. politics, and liked to watch the Leafs on TV; his all-time favourite was Red Kelly. Ross lived independently his entire life. He chose MAiD and the dignity that it offered after a cancer diagnosis.
The family wishes to thank all who cared for him, especially Dr. Jensen (MAiD), Dr. C. Doobay (palliative), and Nurse Brie. The family will have a private ceremony. For those who wish, donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes Food Bank at https://uxbridgefoodbank.com/.
Born November 10, 1926 at home on Ascot Avenue, Toronto. Ross attended Allenby P.S. and then Northern Vocational School where he published a comic with a friend, played basketball badly, joined the Translake Club, and was a cheerleader for the basketball team. Ross met Isobel Wilson after graduation, as an Alumni of the Translake Club. They married in 1951 at St. James Bond United Church, had a reception at Casa Loma, then drove for 6 days in Ross’ father’s 1934 Plymouth to Miami for a 2-night honeymoon. They bought their first house in 1953, and designed and built their second home when their family grew to 7 children.
Ross began his printing career in 1947 with an apprenticeship at Canadian Gravure Printing Company, which later amalgamated to become Murray Printing, which was purchased and became Southam Murray. Ross did colour-retouching and layout. He was the first treasurer of the credit union, was a member of the International Photo-Engravers’ Union of North America and, later, Graphic Communications International Union, and was a union rep on a negotiating committee. Ross was grateful for the improvements that union membership brought to his life and family. Southam Murray’s main customers were the T. Eaton Catalogue and the Canadian Tire Catalogue. After Eaton’s terminated the catalogue in 1976 Ross lost his job and earned his Bachelor of Education at U of T. But, instead of teaching was called back to “the plant” for 10 more years before retiring at 60. He also earned two BAs and a BA Honours at Atkinson College, York University in philosophy and history while working full time. In retirement Ross and Isobel travelled for several years including to China, Egypt, Russia and Europe. In 2000 they moved to Uxbridge to be closer to family members.
Ross had many hobbies over the years including photography and home movies, model building, beer brewing, stamp and coin collecting, woodworking, crosswords, reading, and piano. During the COVID pandemic, he took up short story writing where he explored the theme of unsatisfied and adventurous wives. Ross was a quiet man with an excellent sense of humour. He was interested in U.S. politics, and liked to watch the Leafs on TV; his all-time favourite was Red Kelly. Ross lived independently his entire life. He chose MAiD and the dignity that it offered after a cancer diagnosis.
The family wishes to thank all who cared for him, especially Dr. Jensen (MAiD), Dr. C. Doobay (palliative), and Nurse Brie. The family will have a private ceremony. For those who wish, donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes Food Bank at https://uxbridgefoodbank.com/.