Ken Ross Will Be Missed Dearly in Barrhaven

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One of the reasons I love living in Barrhaven so much is because of the people.  There is a real sense of family and caring.

Ken Ross was one of the major pillars in the community and I’m sad to say that he passed away last week.  He was the co-owner of Your Independent Grocer here in Barrhaven and was heavily involved in all the different charities, associations, and fundraising work.  He was always visible in the public and had a huge smile. He was somehow involved in just about every community event.  He really cared about making a difference and taking care of those who needed it most.

He help me personally on numerous occasions and I will always be grateful for what he and his wife, Kelly Ross have done for me. They assisted me with two huge fundraisers to help with my training and travel costs so I could compete in two World Championships.  They  donated the food at one event and for another, allowed the West Barrhaven Community Association to use their BBQ trailer in their parking lot to cook their donated burgers and hotdogs.  Fundraisers like these are the only way I would be able to compete at this level to represent Canada.

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Ken Ross was always extremely generous in helping me with my fundraisers for my previous 2 World Championships
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Mr. Ross donated food from his Ross’ Independent Grocer to help me out
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Mr. Ross always had a huge smile
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West Barrahven Community Association and Mr. Ross worked closely on so many fundraising and community events together. I am so thankful for all their assistance

When I graduated from John McCrae High School I was honoured to receive the Community Builder Award with a  $500 bursary from Ross’ Independent Grocer.

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I was extremely honoured and surprised to receive this award
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The Community Builder Award even came with a little statue 🙂

We always ran into each other at community events since Ken Ross was the President for the Food Cupboard.  I was a guest at a Community Fundraiser for MPP Lisa MacLeod with the majority of the funds going towards the Barrhaven Food Bank.

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Ken Ross thanking everyone for coming out to support the Barrhaven Food Bank

 

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Keep loading up the truck with donated food for the food bank 🙂
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It was great to see how much food was donated for the Food Bank
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It’s a priviledge to be a part of these community events since it also gives me a chance to share my passion for TKD and to encourage others to dream big and work hard
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I was given the opportunity to give a little TKD demo and thank the community for all their ongoing support.

Ken Ross also had a huge involvement in the organization of the amazing Canada Day Celebrations in Barrhaven

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The Ross’ Independent Grocer canteen was always visible at community events
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I had the pleasure of carrying in the Canadian Flag for the Parade of the Flags at the July 1st Festivities
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All the Provincial Flags were carried in by members of the community…Legion, Lions Club, etc. Mr. Ross was involved in all of those associations.
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Councillor Jan Harder, Kayla Maduk, MP Pierre Poilievre and MPP Lisa McLeod

Ken Ross was also very involved in the Annual Santa Clause Parade.  I was thrilled to be the Marshall of the parade.

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All the Volunteers in the yellow t-shirts were collecting donations and cans for the Food Bank which Ken was President of.
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Along the course the Independent trailer was visible to make sure the people in the community had some food and drinks to help enjoy the evening
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How cool is this to be given these amazing opportunities?
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It was such a fun night waving to everyone else in the parade too
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Ross’ Independent’s Float

Thank you Ken Ross for everything that you have done for Barrhaven and for me.  You will not be forgotten!

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