John D. Ross

John D. Ross III passed away on February 3, 2015, after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Great Falls, Montana, to John D. Ross, Jr. and Shirley Ross, October 22, 1941. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Donna Cole, Pete Ross and John D. Ross, IV; grandchildren, Scott Cole, Jennifer Berry, Kyle Ross and Julian Grindstaff; four great- grandchildren; and sisters, Charland Garvin and Barbara Greenberg. He was preceded in death by his parents. John graduated from Montana State University and worked in the well-known family business in Great Falls, Graham and Ross, for a number of years. After Graham and Ross closed, he was a regional sales representative for Arctic Cat Snowmobiles in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Then in 1994, he and Bonnie moved to Washington to take over the Washington/Oregon territory. After he retired from snowmobiles, he sold boats for Capital City Yachts in Olympia. John was first and foremost a true gentleman: honest, kind, and committed to both his family and his causes. John was the co-leader of the Olympia Us TOO Warriors chapter, chairman of the Washington State Prostate Cancer Coalition, co-chair of the State Task Force on Prostate Cancer, co-chair of the SPORE prostate cancer program patient advocacy committee at UW, just to name a few of his leadership positions. John started the Pints for Prostates event at Fish Tale brew pub in Olympia to educate men about the need for screening and take charge of their health care. He willingly gave as much time as needed to men newly diagnosed to be a positive role model for them and help them through the fear of being diagnosed with cancer. John radiated love and kindness. John was an avid boater and loved the time he and family and friends spent cruising the San Juan and Gulf Islands in his beloved Island Gypsy trawler. He and Bonnie spent many years raising and showing their Great Pyrenees dogs over all of the western states. He was a skilled woodworker, creating everything from turned-wooden pens to household furniture, including even a Murphy Bed. He was also a skilled photographer. In addition, John couldn’t resist taking on challenging projects, such as car restorations, home remodels, and landscaping. When he was not launching himself into a new project or dedicating time to a cause, you could find John living life to the fullest with the love of his life, Bonnie. Together, they loved to travel the world and document their fun in his photographs. Other favorite activities included going out for a meal with friends, snorkeling, concerts and movies, Mariner’s games, and even an occasional opera. John believed that if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right. He often talked about the importance of dignity and honor, although he was pretty sharp at an occasional silly practical joke. He was both a mentor and a friend to dozens of men in his cancer support groups, as well as members of his family. He always had time to genuinely listen and provide support to those who needed it. He was a man of great faith, who sincerely cared about the people in his life. He was loved and will be missed by many. Please leave memories of John or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.