Editor:
On Oct. 20 my family’s life was shattered in an instant. On that day my husband, Doug Ross, lost his own life in a tragic ATV accident in Cranbrook.
Shock, disbelief, confusion and horror suddenly became our new world.
When we lived in Surrey, Doug never missed an opportunity to urge me to move our family to Tsawwassen where he grew up, so we did and the years flew by in a whirlwind of new friends and neighbours, school activities and play dates, hockey and baseball, barbecues and picnics at the beach. Doug was involved everywhere and loved every minute - from renovating people’s homes through his construction company to even being a fixture at the City of Delta doing all the renovations for the city and coaching all three of his sons in the South Delta Hockey League.
He was a familiar figure in the neighborhood as he played catch and street hockey with our boys as well as making sure our dogs got their even except too and his greatest joy was in giving to the community through his involvement in youth sports. Life was good. His wife and his children came first and you would know that by just speaking to him for a moment. Then came the accident.
In this strangest and most difficult of times, Dr. Bonnie Henry consistently beseeches us to be kind to one another. In a heartbeat, the community of Tsawwassen gathered me, Noah, Liam and Holden in its strong embrace of love and support.
Food appeared and has not stopped; friends and neighbours take the boys to their practices and games and on outings; a beloved neighbour changes the sheets and keeps the laundry going; a bed is donated; a cleaning service is arranged; a Go Fund Me is started; hugs, tears, fears and memories are shared. But perhaps the simple story of a blanket speaks to the generous heart that defines this community. Needless to say, I have had great difficulty sleeping and was constantly chilled. I thought a heated blanket might help and so a friend put out a simple request on social media. Within hours there was a knock at the door. When I answered it nobody was there but on the porch was a box with a brand new electric blanket. A humble request quietly answered without a need for acknowledgement or thanks. Just kindness.
We don’t have adequate words to express our deepest gratitude to this beloved community. Tsawwassen - you are a community with a huge heart and from the bottom of our heart to yours - thank you.
Carolyn Ross
