Submitted by Pat Carrie Smith-"A Celebration of the Life of Alex Ross" was held in the Sandspit Community Centre on Thursday, December 4th. The gale-force winds which dominated the islands on Thursday prevented the Kwuna from sailing, thus unfortunately frustrating the plans of those from Graham Island who had wanted to be there, and thwarting the delivery of flowers as well. Against that backdrop of howling wind and heavy rain, the service proceeded with readings of letters from family members and friends, from Sandspit, off-island and out-of-country, and with other verbal sharing of memories and humorous anecdotes. Alex's three surviving children, their families, and his brother and cousin, all from Vancouver Island, were joined by a nearly full room of mourners. Coffee and snacks completed the afternoon's comforting atmosphere.
Alex Ross lived in Sandspit for many years, was intensely involved in many community associations and social affairs, and was an avid outdoorsman, expert fisherman, and fishing guide in summer. His untimely passing occurred on his 67th birthday, November 29th, in a boating accident in Cumshewa Inlet. The loss of Alex leaves a void in the lives of all who knew and cared about him.