It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Harold Ross, who left us peacefully on Saturday March 22nd, 2025 in his 95th year.

Born in Pictou, Nova Scotia on June 16, 1930, Harold loved the Maritimes and never forgot his wonderful childhood on the family farm. He moved to Toronto with his parents Walter and Willa in the early 1950s, living on Coxwell Avenue where milk was still being delivered by horse and wagon.

Harold’s love of music and his piano training led him to join the faculty of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto in 1962. There he flourished with his beloved students, many of whom achieved international acclaim. Every summer Harold would travel across the country “from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Comox-Courtenay, on Vancouver Island” examining RCM students in all the cities, towns and villages in between, an experience he treasured, meeting a wide variety of Canada’s young talent. In 2011 Harold was presented with a coveted Certificate of Recognition for his 49 Years of Service to the Conservatory.

Nova Scotia was still his favourite destination, driving home every August in his white Buick Skylark convertible with red leather interior, to visit old friends and enjoy the fresh east-coast air.

Harold will lovingly be remembered for his humour, his passion for the arts and his gentlemanly ways by his nephews and nieces Keith (Mary Leckie), Susan Turner, David Beasley, Sherry Bell, Katherine Munkley, Stuart, Fraser and Ian Ross. Harold was a proud great uncle to his 17 great nephews and nieces including Jeremy, Jessica and Jared, Sara and Carly, Toban, Katelyn and Sean, Zachary, Meghan, Alyson, Shannon, David, Ian, Kaitlynn and Amanda as well as great-great Uncle to many more wonderful littles.

Harold was predeceased by his parents, his sister Marguerite Leckie and his two brothers Earl and Edwin Ross, as well as his niece Linda Killan.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter "Yorke" Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W. Toronto,
on Friday, April 4th from 4pm to 8pm. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, April 5th at 11:00am.

If you wish to remember Harold, memorial donations can be made to the Oscar Peterson Program, a registered RCM charity that offers tuition-free education to children who are members of underserved communities.