Ross Irwin Weaver was born December 13, 1930, in Belmont, Ontario, and passed away peacefully in the early hours of April 23, 2026, in his adopted home of Bassano, Alberta.

He is survived by his sons, Mitch (Jayne) and Mark (Suz) both of Calgary, his brother Charlie (Phyllis) and sister Hilda who both still reside in Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents, Rosibel and Wilfred, brothers George, Dick and Arnold, and sister Olive.

Ross was raised on the family's dairy farm in southern Ontario, where he and his brothers honed their cattle breeding skills. Ross's expertise allowed him to travel extensively. In 1948, at the young age of 17, he accompanied the first shipment of Canadian Holsteins to Milan, Italy, to be showcased at the Cattlemen's Congress. He then traveled on to Switzerland, Germany and England. He also accompanied a boat load of Canadian cattle to Venezuela and Cuba.

Ross later ventured west to Alberta and established a career that would span almost 50 years. He started working in Strathmore for Western Feed Lots, moved to Bassano to work for LK Ranches as the manager of XL Feeds.  During his retirement he worked for Richard Martin at Bassano Farm Equipment.  He lived in the trailer at Gail Kelly's farm for over 20 years helping with yard work and chores.

His boys would say "Dad was a man of few words who raised us with a strong work ethic and level of respect which has served us well."  He instilled a passion for hockey in the boys and never missed a game when they played in their youth.  Once a month Ross would travel up the highway to meet Mitch and Jayne at The Station for brunch and tell stories.

The family would like to extend its thanks to all of Ross's friends who would visit him at the lodge and came by the hospital.  Thank you to the amazing staff at Playfair Lodge, who have cared for him over the last eight years.  He loved the delicious meals and always enjoyed all the activities and entertainment.  He made a lot of good friends there.  Thanks also to the staff at the Bassano Hospital.

Sincerest gratitude and thanks go to his cherished friends Stuart and Kim Douglass and Gail Kelly for taking Ross on outings and inviting him to family celebrations, as well as Sheila Evans who would visit him weekly to do errands - including buying his lottery tickets, and most importantly - for ensuring all his medical needs were met and his final wishes granted.

He will be deeply missed.  At Ross's request there will be no service.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks