(Timothy) Ross Alton went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, October 26, 2019. He was born July 13, 1947 and grew up with his 7 siblings in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In his late teens he moved to Victoria, BC, and built a wonderful family life with his wife, Doreen, and their two children, Brian and Michelle.
Ross loved God wholeheartedly. This defined his life, and shaped his unreserved love and generosity to others. Ross was a man who lived with intention ~ he made time for people, whether family, friend, or stranger, and chances were if you met Ross, you’d soon find yourself welcomed to a meal at the family’s table. He loved the church, and through many years, and many roles, he created a safe place for people to ask challenging questions, and to grow in their faith.
Ross was a deep, creative thinker, who loved adventure, and his unconventional approach created many memorable moments, often repeated at gatherings around that shared table. His big laugh and loving presence will be greatly missed, though we know he is now with Christ, who was the source of his hope and joy.
A memorial service, followed by a tea, will be held Friday, November 8 at 1:00 pm at Lambrick Park Church, 1780 Feltham Road, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ross’s name to Food for the Hungry Canada fhcanada.org or to Camp Imadene imadene.com
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Doreen and family, I can’t begin to imagine what you all must be going through. Our most deepest sympathies. Praying for you all.
Mrs. Alton, Brian and Michelle, it’s been years since I’ve seen Mr. Alton but man, do I remember his big laugh! You couldn’t help but laugh when he laughed. I’m sorry for your loss here on earth but celebrate that he is with Jesus and love knowing you will all be reunited one day. Praying for comfort for you through this time. Love you all. ♥️
Doreen, deepest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you. Kristin and Mike Hoekstra
Doreen, Michelle and Brian, we carry you in our hearts and prayers at this time. 2 Corinthians 5:6-9.
Love,
Peter & Sandy Rabey
Dear Doreen,
I have fond memories of Ross when I was young as he was my big cousin. We spent happy times at the cottage and loved visiting their home. We are so saddened to hear of his passing and pray God’s great comfort will be yours at this difficult time. My Mom, Aunt Mable also sends her heartfelt condolences.
So sorry to get the news. Betty and I wish we could attend. In all things God is good. I still have fond memories of our singing together with the quartet. God bless each one of you from Maui.
Doreen, Brian, Michelle and the entire family:
God used Ross to change my life. Through the youth group ministry, Ross introduced me to Jesus and God. Ross then proceeded to be my other dad, even to the point of letting me call him and Doreen “Mom and Dad” all these years. Ross was the one I went to during those late teen/early twenty years when I needed advice about life decisions (even into my 30s, 40s and now early 50s), he let me cry on his shoulder during the hard times and his big laugh was always so present to change the cries into laughter. Ross was the emcee for my wedding and I cannot imagine that day without him being such a huge part of it. Ross dedicated our kids. He watched our kids grow up and loved them in a special way. Ross is Dad. God used Ross not only to impact my life but to change my life. Ross is a big part of who I am and how I am a full time career missionary for the past 25 years. I hope and pray a little part of Ross’ legacy lives on through the ministry work that we do every day in the mountains of the Dominican Republic. I do not have the words to thank God for putting Ross in my life and am so blessed that Ross has been a huge part of my life and my family’s lives. My heart is full of sorrow yet also happiness as I know exactly where Ross is with his big laugh, singing praises and hearing God say “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Auntie Doreen, Brian and Michelle. Our deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of Uncle Ross. I will hold many childhood memories close to my heart of the summers spent on Uncle Ross’s famous hikes and adventures. He was truly one of a kind. Although we are unable to attend, please know that our hearts are there with you all. ❤️
Ross meant a great deal to me as I moved west in 1986 and started my career as a young adult. He was instrumental in his care, his dedication, and his love for people. I had the privilege of having several good heart-to-heart discussions with Ross at Imadene 2-3 years ago, and it brought back wonderful memories of the imprint he left on lives, mine included. I will be thinking of and praying for Doreen, Michelle and Brian and their families at this time, and am so sorry I will be unable to make the celebration of life.
Doreen and family,
It is with shock and sadness to learn of Ross’ passing from this life. He was bigger and bolder than most men I new, and passionate about his Lord. He was very much a huge part of all that was good in the life of SBF. His leadership and love for Christ’s church will be missed, there are very few men that could ever take his place. And the huge legacy he has left in this world has indeed expanded Christ’s kingdom. Now he rests with his Lord.
Our condolences from the Mercer family to your family. Oh how I wish I could be there Doreen, as Ross will always have a special place in my heart. Memories of motorcycle rides, riding in his VW on cold winter mornings, Roger & Ross’s duets at Sir James Dunn high school, so many antics at the cottage, water sking in his Sunday suit after church, laughs, talks, singing Ed Ames songs while driving in Ross’s car to the hospital you were working at (meeting you for the 1st time) & teaching me a life lesson that I have never forgotten (“that good things some in small packages”). He was always a kind & loving brother and I will miss him. What a wonderful reunion that will be when the Alton clan reunites in heaven. Love from your sister-in-law Denise.
Michelle and family,
Sending you lots of love during this time.
Erica Ellenchuk
Auntie Doreen, Brian and Michelle. Our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Uncle Ross. We have so many fond memories of him. His epic hikes, the adventures on the train trestle, purple city, the tours of the harbor and most of all the privilege of having him perform our wedding ceremony (yellow and green did in fact make purple). We will miss him. Vince and Mary Larsen
Doreen, Brian and Michelle,
What a shock to hear of Ross’ passing. It was a joy to sit at your table and share dinner with you both, Doreen, a couple years ago and catch up on all our lives (it had been too long). Ross was building a kayak at the time and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his retirement and life. I rejoice to know that he is with our Lord Jesus, and that we will see him again soon. Much love and prayers for you all.
Doreen,Michelle,Brian
We were saddened to hear of Ross’s sudden passing. Ours prayers go out to you as you begin your journey without him.
Hi my deepest sympathy goes out to Doreen Brian and Michelle. Ross and Doreen brought me to Christ many years ago through Bible study and youth group. The whole family is welcoming and wonderful..Ross helped me through some tough times as a teenager. Doreen which always made my all time favorite cake for youth group. Nothing but incredibly loving family..he is safe in our Lord’s care Amen
Hello, Doreen. My sister Lois just told me of Ross’ passing. I’m sorry to be so late in leaving you a note, but I really wanted to do so anyway. We were not very good in keeping in touch, but I really appreciated Ross, and the Alton family, and wanted to give my condolences. I’m so glad you have your two children to be there, as you adjust to all the new normals in addition to the one laid on you last October. May the Lord continue to bless and confort you, until you get to join him in heaven. If you beat me there, say hi for me, would you?
Doreen, Brian and Michelle. I have just learned of Ross’ passing. I am so terribly sorry for your tremendous loss as well as not expressing my sympathies in a more timely fashion. Ross was like a big brother to me. We played hockey and football in the cul-du-sac together, he gave me and guided me through my first job and was there to console me through the loss of my son and my parents. I regret not staying in contact with your family. I feel empty in the thought that Ross is no longer with us.
Take care.