Ross Keeler
Died: June 1, 2023 | Place: London, Ontario
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Obituary
Ross C. (Charles) Keeler April 13, 1933- June 1, 2023
Ross Keeler loved life and he embraced every experience with love, laughter and a genuine regard for all who were a part of his ninety years of living. Ross was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and moved to London Ontario where he grew up with his parents, younger sister, two brothers, and for a time, his three cousins left orphaned by the Moose Hall Fire of ‘44. Early in his family life Ross learned the value of work and leadership, both of which laid the foundation of a long successful work life. He initially apprenticed as a licenced auto mechanic, later becoming the service manager of the family business “Corral Motors” before entering the teaching profession. He obtained his teaching certificate and in 1973 was employed by the London Board of Education until his retirement in 1994. Ross taught at Saunders, H.B. Beal, Montcalm and Clarke Road and in addition to teaching, he organized regular professional development in the most current auto trends for his colleagues and countless apprenticeships for his students. During his teaching career, he was nominated twice for the Bishop Townshend Award for Excellence in Teaching (1983 and 1994) and received the Roger Macauley Student Centred Learning Award in 1988. He is a lifetime member of the National College of Automotive Teachers.
Ross loved family life and when he knew his time may be cut short, his greetings in visits began with “I have been blessed with the love of three wives who have loved me deeply, the love of all my children, and I have the best family that anyone could ask for.” In 1955 he married Marlene Holmes and together they raised their three children, Nancy, Terri and Brian. In 1977 he lost his wife, Marlene, daughter Nancy and mother-in-law in an automobile accident. In 1978 he married Elsie Lampkin and viewed their marriage as a second chance to enjoy marital bliss. Ross embraced Elsie’s two daughters, Ruth and Jeannie and together, Ross and Elsie extended their love to all partners and seven grandchildren. Elsie passed away in 2004 and again Ross found a third chance at marital happiness with his marriage to Wilma Crowe in 2005. Ross embraced Wilma’s four children Cheri, Lori, Mitch and Todd, their spouses, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Ross loved community, specifically his membership in the Masonic Order. Ross joined St John’s Lodge #20 in 1954 and served as W.M. in 1965, Secretary 1969-72 and Past Grand Senior Warden (Hon.) in 1987. He joined the London Lodge of Perfection in 1980, London Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix in 1981 and was Coroneted an Honorary Inspector-General 33 in 2001. Throughout his Masonic life of service to community he served as Worthy Patron with Marlene as Worthy Matron in Bethlehem Chapter #136, Ontario Eastern Star in 1975 and Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel #3 International Order of Job’s Daughters 1974-78. In 1977 he started the G. Fred Kingsmill Chapter, Order of DeMolay, serving as first Chairman Advisor until his death and an active Member of Canadian Supreme Council and holder of the Zerubbabel Key, Cross of Honour and Honorary Legion of Honour. He worked with the London Consistory Club to create a community resource by repairing, refurbishing and distributing hospital equipment available to anyone in need. He developed strong partnerships across London hospital OT and PT departments.
After a short battle with cancer, on June 1, surrounded by his loving wife and many children, Ross passed into the next life. He is the beloved husband of Wilma Keeler, dear father of Terri-Lynne Sparling and her husband Bob of Stratford, Brian Ross Keeler of London, and loving father to Ruth Lampkin and her partner Jim Anderson of Port Dover, Jeannie Kennedy of Hamilton, Lori MacDonald of St. Thomas, Cheri Nadeau and her husband Richard of St. Thomas, Todd (“T.J.”) Crowe and his wife Tammy of London and Mitchel Crowe and his wife Mary Mitches of London. He is a beloved grandfather to Emily and Ellen Sparling, Matt, Ryan and Kyle Keeler, Adam Smith, Farrah De la Fosse, Rochelle and Brittany MacDonald, Carly, Lindsay and Nicole Nadeau, Logan, Owen and Megan Crowe and Hilary and Noah Crowe and great grandfather to Ruby and Max Dagg and Lyra De la Fosse. He is also missed by sister-in-law Lois Keeler, Donald (Don) MacMillan of Wiarton, Eileen Ebin of Florida, Richard MacMillan and his wife Bev of Ottawa and Robert MacMillan of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their families. Also survived by cousin Ken Cleland and wife Irene of Stoney Creek, their family, and many nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the tender care provided to Ross from Dr. Michael Mitchell of LHSC, Dr Oscar Karouzas Theodosios (“Dr. Theo”) and Nurse Natalie Wellmann of St. Elizabeth Health, and Dr. Shiraz Malik, Dr. Gil Schreier and Nurse Francyelle Fernandez of the Palliative Care Unit, LHSC Victoria Campus.
Predeceased by his parents late Gertrude (Lisa) Keeler and Charles P. (Perc.) Keeler, his wife, the late Elsie E. (Passmore) (Lampkin) Keeler, his wife, the late Marlene F. (Holmes) Keeler; his daughter Nancy Ann Keeler, his brothers William Eric (Bill) Keeler and David E. Keeler, his sister Marion Thomas and brother-in-law Louis Quenelle.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Ross can be made to the Masonic Foundation of Ontario or to Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation London. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8 2-4pm and 7-9pm with a Masonic Service at 6:30pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home. The funeral for Ross will be held on Friday, June 9 at 11 am at A. Millard George Funeral Home and a live-streaming option will be shared via the AMG Funeral Home Youtube page. Inurnment at 2:30 pm at Woodland Cemetery, London. The Reverend Michael DeKay of St. Paul’s Cathedral presiding. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Life is wonderful … especially when it can be shared with such a wonderful person.
I first met Ross (or as I knew him, Mr. Keeler) almost fifty years ago, when he was a teacher at Saunders Secondary School, shortly after Dad (John R. MacLeod) became a Mason, and we attended one of the sunrise breakfasts at Wonderland Gardens that were put on by Kilwinning Lodge. Being a typical teenager I was surprised to discover a couple of the teachers (Ross and Hugh Cree) had a life outside of school, and that my dad knew them!
Over the years I had the opportunity to know Ross, and work with him in Scottish Rite, and the London Valley Consistory Club. Ross was a fine man, very dedicated to our fraternity, and to the London Valley Consistory Club. He gave freely of his time and talent, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of wheelchair repairs and parts. He made difference in the lives of so many people who have used our equipment. We truly will cherish his memory in our hearts.
So sorry to hear about your fathers death. Please remember that you and your family are in my thoughts an prayers at this sad time in your lives.
Maribeth Youngblut
Dear Terri and Family,We are sending hugs as you cherish the full life of a beloved father.We have found this Leonard Cohen thought comforting.”We are so lightly here.It is in love that we are made and in love we disappear.”Nancy&John Pattersom
I remember meeting Ross back when i was a young teenager. They had just moved into the neighbourhood and i became best friends with his son. That was 1978. I looked to him over the years like a father figure. The love and kindness he showed others taught me alot. I will miss his smile and sparkle in his eye.
LOVE YOU ROSS
My love goes out to his wife and kids. Such a great loss he will be missed.
I am sorry to hear of the passing of such a great man. I had the pleasure of knowing him through the London DeMolay chapter. He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to Wilma and family. Ross will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I worked with Ross at Clarke Road SS. He cared about his students & was admired by staff. Rest in peace Ross. Joy Hyde
So sorry to learn of the passing of Ross. When I first met him, it was through his son, Brian. Ross was always a kind & caring man, willing to help wherever he could. Definitely, not a man to sit idle, as shown by his many accomplishments. He will be greatly missed.
To Brian & the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
To the Keeler Family – Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Ross. I remember him and his family so well from many years ago when I worked in a music program for Mt. Zion United Church . He was a wonderful, thoughtful gentleman! My caring thoughts are with you. Norma Clare
Mr Keeler was one of those adult who has always been in my life. As a friend of my parents, he and Marlene gave them the push to get married. He was always involved, always present for helping out and creating possibilities for people to do the same and better themselves. He was a man of his word and always there to help. He chose his wives well as they were all very different yet all the perfect compliment and partner as they likewise had the same dependable nature, kindness and humour. He has left a rich legacy and we are all better for knowing him
Condolences in the loss of your family member.
I met Ross while working as a secretary at Clarke Road SS. I was getting married back in 92 and chatted with Ross about my “old fashioned” wedding theme. Only Ross would call me up one Saturday to tell me he saw a “wedding dress” advertised in the Pennysaver and it sounded like something I may like lol. Only because it was Ross did I go to the bar (changed in the bathroom) to see the dress. And yes, it was perfect and I wore it on my wedding day! It was a story I’ll always remember (and laugh about) and a memory I’ll always treasure. Only Ross, because he was a friend who always went out of his way to help you (fixing our cars at school) and think of you. And I will always think of you Ross at Christmas time when I buy my Christmas Fruit cake (which I don’t even like lol) but it’s become a tradition and a memory I can’t give up. You will be missed my friend but not forgotten.
Dear Terri, Bob, Brian & family
Just a note to say so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you on Friday as I know it will be a difficult day.
Karen Thomas/Glover
Sorry for the loss of a wonderful, caring man. He was a delight to know and love. Our thoughts are with his extensive family, and especially Wilma.
Please accept our deepest sympathies from his family here on PEI. I am the daughter of Viola Thomas, daughter of Florence Mosher nee Getson.
I first met Ross when I joined the staff of Clarke Road SS in 1990. Ross made me feel welcome as a colleague in my first assignment at the high school level and indulged many of my special needs students with tours of his auto shop. I was impressed with the genuine enthusiasm, professionalism and inspirational leadership which Ross brought to his position in the Clarke Road community. He was a great guy and a real champion for student achievement!
My condolences on Ross’ passing. He was such a kind, gentle and caring man. I first met the Keeler family when we all lived on Renwick Ave in North London. Ross, Marlene, Nancy, Terri-Lynne and Brian moved a short distance away to Regent Street (I believe) in the early ’70s but my Mom, Grandpa (Mr. Wright) and I kept in touch. Grandpa died in late 1975 and two of the first people to offer words of comfort were Marlene and Ross. And then that dreadful day in 1977….
Ross’ great love for his family, his deep faith and his positive outlook on life made an impression on me then that has lasted to this day. The last time I spoke with Ross was when his sister, Marion, died in 2016. Despite not having spoken for a great number of years, we quickly caught up. I remember him saying how very blessed he felt.
My thoughts, and my Mom’s, are with you all.
Elizabeth
Sincere Sympathy
My condolences to all the family.
Ross was a friend of the Aitken family. Ross lived down the street from my father Harry. I worked with Ross at the London Board of Education for many years. His love for teaching was inspiring to me and his enthusiasm helped develop a great automotive program for students. The community work Ross did showed his compassionate side and was appreciated by many. Throughout his life on earth Ross demonstrated goodwill toward people. Thanks Ross
Very sorry to hear of Ross, s passing.
Ross was a good man. He will be missed. Marlene was my sister.
Terri and Brian,
While it has been many years since we have connected please know I have been thinking of you over this past week. I have so many fond memories of ‘Uncle Ross’ from Bear Hugs to scotch mints in his pockets. May your memories provide you comfort over the coming days. Thinking of you and your families. Katherine (Kathy Thomas)
Very sorry to hear about Ross’ passing, he will be deeply missed. His kind, caring heart was one of a kind and his relationships with others had a profound impact on my life. I would not have joined DeMolay if not for him reaching out to my father to ask me to “meet the guys” after my family moved back to London from Ottawa area. Rest in Peace good sir.
My condolences go out to all of you. I had the privilege of meeting Ross once through one of his children and always saw him as a humble man.
He was very kind.
Sorry for your loss.