Bob Ross

Robert (Bob) Ross was born on November 15, 1923, in Scotland, but emigrated to Canada with his family and settled in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He enlisted in July 1940 and served with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in a three-inch mortar platoon. Mr. Ross was a dedicated soldier, but he also saw his military service as an opportunity to explore his passion of playing the bagpipes.

In August 1944, he was injured during heavy enemy shelling during the Battle of Hill 195, the highest piece of land on the road from Caen to Falaise in France. This resulted in the loss of his leg above the knee.

Mr. Ross joined The War Amps Hamilton Branch in 1946 and held the positions of:

• National Director, Toronto Branch (1995-2005)
• Chairman, Civilian Liaison Committee, Toronto Branch

In his role with the Civilian Liaison Committee, he visited amputees in hospitals to allay their fears arising from the loss of a limb by offering up his own experiences and story. Always committed to raising awareness about The War Amps and the Key Tag Service, Mr. Ross gave countless media interviews and school presentations about his war service and the Association. He also hosted displays about prosthetics and information on The War Amps many programs.

Mr. Ross represented the Association on veterans’ pilgrimages and was featured in the TV series D-Day to Victory. He was also featured in a War Amps video called I Never Looked Back about how, through determination and perseverance, he adapted to his new life as an amputee and inspired others with limb loss to do the same.

For his work with the Association, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Membership, Meritorious Service Membership and Honorary CHAMP Membership.

Mr. Ross passed away on August 29, 2014.
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