The Métis Nation of Ontario would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Elmer Ross. A long-serving and much-loved member of the MNO Veteran’s Council (MNOVC).
Passing peacefully with his wife by his side at Tabor Manor in St. Catherines, on March 13, 2021 at 92 years of age. Beloved husband of Vera (nee Tindall) for almost 70 years. Loved dad of Valerie (Paul) McLean and Terri (Greg) Panas and the late Gary (1984). Proud grandpa of Allysa and Rachel McLean (Robert Turenne) and Alex and Miranda Panas.
Elmer Ross was born in a small country community south of Hubbard, Saskatchewan at the outset of the Great Depression. His family has strong Métis roots, being descendants of Cuthbert Grant acclaimed for leading his people to victory at the Battle of Seven Oaks during the Pemmican Wars.
Métis traditions were the focal point in the home of his grandparents where Elmer was raised and at a very young age he learned to play the fiddle, even before he could read.
Elmer left a job in a Saskatchewan creamery, where he was a champion butter-maker, to pursue opportunities in Ontario. Elmer worked as a heavy-equipment operator, bus driver, and on the railway before joining the Ontario Provincial Police force in 1955, fulfilling a deep desire to serve the public. During a long and distinguished career, Elmer had the opportunity to provide motorcycle escorts for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on three separate occasions as well as Pope John Paul II on one of his visits to Canada.
After retirement, Elmer served as a Senator on the MNO Veteran’s Council for many years.
Our thoughts are with Elmer’s family and he will be greatly missed.
Métis Lament
Take kindly to the council of years and experience of
our elders, gracefully surrendering our youth and many
things of the past. We would not be here without them.
We will continue to build our strength and spirit to
protect and shield us when grief arises as we encounter
any sudden misfortunes throughout our lives.
A clear, strong and nurtured mind will overcome and
conquer many of our fears, which are often the origin of
our unhappiness, fatigue and loneliness. We will
discipline ourselves to be outstanding and proud people
who will leave our mark of excellence in today’s society,
to carve a path to guide our siblings and the next
generation of Métis.
We must stand together as a nation and be proud of our
heritage and be kind and gentle to our brothers and
sisters. We are a family of Métis in this great universe
who stand equal to all others on this earth.
We give thanks to our great creator for all the great
gifts and wisdom he has given us. We will continue to
follow our guiding light and carry forth our sign of
infinity into the future because we have a God-given
right to stand tall as proud Métis.
– The Métis Lament is a poem written by Elmer Ross