Ross Daboll

H. Ross Daboll

8/15/1930 – 4/24/2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Ross Daboll (H. Ross Daboll) announces his peaceful passing on April 24, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. With his passing, Ross precedes in death his loving wife of almost 70 years, Helen. True high school sweethearts, it was a one-of-a-kind lasting love affair that will continue beyond earthly bounds. In addition, Ross was a great dad to his daughter Jayne (René) Bilodeau and his son Peter (Karen), and held tremendous pride and affection for his six grandchildren: Steven, Alex, and Eric Bilodeau, and Cameron, Giverny, and Michael Daboll. Ross was predeceased by his sister Doris Kennedy and will be forever and fondly remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. He was a close supporter and loving advisor to everyone in his family, as well as chief fun officer – a true patriarch.

Ross was born August 15, 1930, in the same house in which he lived until very recently, in Ridgeville, ON. He grew up surrounded by extended family, and spent much time with his grandfather exploring the wonders of nature and farming life.

After completing high school at Pickering College boarding school in Newmarket, Ross attended the University of Western Ontario, graduating with an Undergraduate Business degree and one of the first MBA degrees awarded by the university, in 1954.

He worked for Shell Canada for his entire career, spanning many aspects of the oil business, with particular expertise in Marketing. He pioneered several new gas station concepts, including Rapid Lubes and Convenience stores.

Ross achieved a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot while working full-time to complete his pilot’s license, and subsequently bought two planes which he joyfully flew with his family for several years.

He was a strong, kind, and gentle soul; an inspiration and example of how to live well to all. We are all grateful for the time we had with him, and will miss his wit, intellect, and caring heart daily.

We are celebrating his life with a small live and virtual ceremony in Ottawa on Wed April 28 at 2 p.m. ET. We will also be planning a celebration get-together in honor of Ross in Fonthill, ON at a future date as COVID restrictions are lifted.

Those wishing to view the service, please click on the link below.