Obituary of Ross Wesley Aiken
Peacefully at home in Allenford Monday afternoon August 15, 2016. Ross Aiken of Allenford in his 91st year. Beloved husband of the late Muriel (nee Walker) Aiken for 62 years. Beloved father of Murray (Debbie) and Merri Lynn (Lonnie Hall) all of Allenford. Lovingly remembered by his 6 grandchildren; Angela (Lee Gowan), Steven (Lauren Aiken), Rebecca (Damian Pope), Jessica (Thai Lim), Rosalynn and Bradley and 4 great grandchildren; Finley, Jaden, MaiLin and Oliver. Survived by brother Len Aiken. Also survived by brother-in-law Gerald Walker. Predeceased by sons Bradley Ross and Steven Wesley, parents Wesley and Gertrude Aiken and sisters Irene and Ilda Aiken and Meryl Greenaway. Also predeceased by in-laws Betty Aiken, Alan & Viola Walker, Mary & Harold Merriam and Ruth & Ian McLeod. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Always known for his smile, willingness to go the extra mile and his creative resourcefulness, Ross was the owner of Aiken Bros Home Hardware upon returning from his service in the army in 1945 and remained a fixture in the village until his retirement in 2010. He was the recipient of 50 years in Hardware Retail Golden Hammer Award and was actually at Aiken Bros for 65 years if you consider he worked there as a teenager on weekends. A long time member of Allenford United Church, he served in many capacities, but most enjoyed his time as the Sunday School Superintendant and as the often lone male section bass of the church choir. Ross loved to sing and sing he did! He was a proud Barbershopper and was a member of the Georgian Gentlemen as well as several quartets. A man with a strong belief in community, 'Sam', as he was known, was active in local municipal politics and a leader in the village. Ross was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #383 and a proud Lion. The number of hats that he has worn are too numerous to count but it will be Ross's smile and charismatic, warm, loving nature most missed by friends and family alike. Special thanks to Laura Parker for her excellent care and to the excellent nurses without whom he couldn't have fulfilled his wish to come home and to Dr. Tweedie in supporting Ross in staying in Allenford. Friends may call at the DOWNS AND SON FUNERAL HOME, Hepworth on Thursday August 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral tribute service to honour Ross's life will be conducted from the Zion Amabel United Church, Sauble Beach on Friday at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. Rev. Micol Cottrel officiating. Interment Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara. Expressions of remembrance to the Allenford United Church would be appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcome at www.downsandsonfuneralhome.com