Sandy Ross

Sandy (Alexander) Ross passed away on August 18, 2026 at Princess Margaret Hospital following a courageous 14 year cancer battle with his beloved wife of 44 years, Jane, by his side. Proud father to Evan (Danette) and Lesley (Nick) Bannard, devoted Nonno to Anna and Lillian, cherished brother of Heather (Chuck) Nugent and will be dearly missed by Father-in-Law, Walter MacMillan, and the extended MacMillan and Smale family. Sandy was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Elsie Ross, and his sister, Andrea Meadowcroft.

Born and raised in Pelmo, Sandy was a lifelong resident and pillar of the Weston Community. Known by many for his volunteerism with the Weston Lions Club - where he served as the longtime secretary and past president - Sandy was the unofficial “Pancake King of Weston”, flipping pancakes to open the Weston Farmers Market each season; arguably the best fry cook at the Weston Lions Arena Snack Bar; and the keeper of Gate 6 at the Dome for Toronto Blue Jays giveaways – all in an effort to raise crucial funds for local Weston community organizations. Sandy also proudly served as arena board chair of Weston Lions Arena for more than 30 years prior to its closure this past March.

Outside of his role as arena board chair, Sandy was known for his presence at the rink and passion for hockey, both on and off the ice. He played and organized men’s Sunday night hockey for more than 40 years at Weston Lions Arena, but it was in his role as Coach Sandy that he truly shone. He coached at Weston Minor Hockey League for more than 35 seasons, coaching both of his kids through their playing careers. He then coached his daughter Lesley with the North York Storm and continued to coach and manage teams even after she left for university. Following his cancer diagnosis and surgery in 2012, Sandy was advised he may never be able to walk - but he defied the odds, not only walking again, but skating. Coach Sandy returned to Weston Minor and coached alongside Lesley both on the bench and on the ice, teaching hundreds of local youth to skate and play the game he loved through the Small Fries Development program. He also enjoyed serving the many GTHL, NYHL and CDP hockey families that came through the rink each week during his regular volunteer shift in the Weston Lions Arena Snack Bar.

Sandy worked in the automotive industry for over 50 years as a sales and parts broker, spending most of his career at General Auto Parts (now Bumper to Bumper). He also owned and operated his own auto parts company, Alexander Products. Sandy loved being out on the road, visiting his customers and the many lifelong friends he gained along the way. He also served as the past director of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (Central Ontario Division). 

The Ross family would like to extend its gratitude to UHN for its care of Sandy for the past 15 years. Special thanks to Dr. Sheldon Turner (Weston Medical Centre), Dr. Rebecca Gladdy and her team, as well as nurses Lorie, Glenda, and Frances and everyone at the Princess Margaret Hospital 16P Palliative Care unit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Weston Area Emergency Services (WAES), the local food bank that Sandy and the Weston Lions Club’s volunteer efforts have supported for 40 years.

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