In Memoriam

George Leslie Ross, BMus’67, MMus (Voice)’71

George L. RossIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of George Ross, age 73. An unrepentant advocate for the importance of the arts in society, he had a profound effect on everyone who came into his sphere. His work in the Canadian arts scene and his broad knowledge of artistic disciplines were the delightful makings of what became a very large life. His reach and impact was felt nationally and abroad. More than a great friend, he was kind, gentle, joyful, supportive, patient, very resourceful, and “always there with a smile and a hug”. In the 1970s, George’s summers were spent working as a director, production and stage manager, and coordinator for the Opera program at the Banff Centre; his winters included a variety of freelance positions with opera companies in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Seattle, Portland, and Winnipeg. In 1978, George became manager of Theatre Arts at the Banff Centre, retiring in 2004 from the position of Associate Director, Operations. Not one to fully leave his work behind, George stayed active with Calgary Opera chorus and other theatre companies in Calgary, and remained a loyal patron of the arts.