Merrill Ross Stafford passed peacefully with his family by his side at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021.
In his 89th year, Ross was the beloved husband of 57 years to Doris (Vondette), and loving father to Art Lord-Stafford (Robina) and Nancy Stafford. He is dearly missed by his grandchildren Rayne, Savion, Jurnee, and Willow. Predeceased by his brother Frank Stafford and his sister Merilyn Reinholdt, Ross is survived by his sisters-in-law Carolyn Stafford, Jeanette Burke, Judy Land, and his brother-in-law Arthur Vondette (Margaret) as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ross was the owner of Staffords’ Red & White store in Beeton from 1971 to 1975, employed by National Grocers in Brampton for 10 years, and rounded out his career by being the proud owner of one of the first Bulk Barns, located in Brampton, from 1986 to 2001. A man of great integrity, he was deeply loved by his friends and family, and will always be warmly remembered as a “gentle giant” with tight embraces and a hearty laugh.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Alliston on Saturday March 13th, 2021 with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Alliston or Matthews House Hospice, Alliston, would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham, 905-936-3477. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Marie and Phil Heffernan says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Ross. He was such a kind and caring man. Our prayers are with you all.
God bless.
Janet Dunn says
Ross was truly a very wonderful gentleman. I see his smile every time I think of him. Doris you are in my prayers and thoughts.
May the Lord watch over your family through this trying time.
Beatriz Baumfeld says
To Doris & Family:
We cannot control the movement of time, nor can we control our own destiny or the destinies of those we love, but we can take comfort in knowing that those who have lived in our hearts are never really gone, for as long as we keep them with us, in our hearts and our thoughts they will be with us always. My deepest sympathy, may Ross rest in peace.
Bernie Eagan says
I was so saddened to hear of Ross’s death . Such a gracious , kind man who greeted us always with that lovely smile . His gentlemanly ways will stay in my memory . He was your soulmate Doris and I offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family . May he Rest In Peace .
marc ronan says
Sincere Condolences the all of the Stafford family from all of the Ronan Family. Ross was a great man and he leaves behind a great family legacy.
Kathy Fitzgerald says
Doris
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Lil and Bill Therriault says
Ross was such a special member of our Vondette family and we are grieving with you. He was so loved. Our deepest sympathies and love to you, Art, Doris and the family.
From Lil and Bill
Danny Viveiros says
Nancy would love to hear about our Monday morning stories as we settled in at work about the weekends and our parents adventures, calls and how we would compare notes and have a good chuckle. Forever in our hearts – Viveiros Family
Bob & Pat Jackson says
Doris & Family
Our sincere condolences for your loss. A kind man.
Gail and Tom Morgan says
Ross always had a friendly smile. I enjoyed training him at Gail’s Fitness so many years ago. Our condolences to you Doris and the family. Keeping you all in our thoughts during this time.
Jim and Shirley Hanrahan says
Doris and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Ross. Whenever we met him, he always had a friendly smile and had time for a friendly chat. Keeping you in our prayers.
Toni Lord says
Doris, Art, Nancy and family,
Ross will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him. Please accept my condolences. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Sandy Clark says
Doris & Family.
Very sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Martina Keogh says
Dear Doris, Art, Nancy and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ginny & Ivor Cathcart says
Dear Doris & family,we were so very sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. He was such a lovely man and we always enjoyed chatting with him. Holding you in our heart and prayers during this difficult time.