I worked for Ross part-time as a receptionist in the late 70s while a student at Ontario College of Art. He was a markedly kind and generous employer, and I thought the world of him. (And of course I painted my apartment in his recommended shade of taupe... which even 40 years later I seem to recall was Sherwin-Williams Indian Sand!). He ran his business with such care and attention that it left a lasting impression on me - I guess you could say that I was disorganized and prone to chaos as a young 'un, so I marvelled at all the systems he had in place to ensure an exquisite orderliness. Everything ran like clockwork, and it was a serene and happy environment. I was so very poor as a student that when I found out the premises would be closed for a week or so at Christmas time, I thought I'd have some pretty hungry days - instead, Ross paid me my usual wages anyway, and took me and his assistant (?John) out for a lavish lunch and gave us gorgeous presents. I am full of sorrow at the hard times and the losses Ross endured in his later years, but glad he still had friends and family who loved him, and touched that he remained the same very very kind man for his whole life. Love, Heather

I'm not sure if Ross Magill was the Ross Magill I knew as a very young child in Hamilton. There was a Magill's grocer at the corner of East 24th Street and Crockett on Hamilton Mountain. My family moved to East 25th Street in 1949 and the Ross Magill I knew either went to Inverness or Armstrong School when I first attended Kindergarten at inverness from 1949 to 1950. I then attended Peace Memorial School from Grades 1 through 6. I would like to know if this is the same Ross I knew over 50 years ago. William Ross Magill's face, especially his graduation picture reminds me very much of my vague memories of "my" Ross Magill. My name is Michael Dorman and can be reached at mwdorman@hotmail.com

My family has known Ross for 41 years. He was very sweet and tender to a fault. He would not want to share his worries, instead, he only wanted to make our lives better. My entire family was shocked to hear how Ross died and are so sorry we could not help him in his tome of need. We loved you very much, Ross. Rest in peace. Love, The Kanigsbergs

Ross was wickedly funny, had immaculate taste and hosted the best dinner parties ever. He was always there to listen or to laugh. When I visited him in Toronto in 2003, I brought him some paper cocktail napkins that said "Oh Pool Boy, I'll have another!" When he saw them, he burst out laughing. Not because of the message, but because they made him think of his father. His Dad had taught him that one uses paper for only one thing. Hence, he only used linen cocktail napkins. The last time I saw him, Christmas 2006, he gave me some of my own. I loved him dearly. I think of him every day. I know where ever he is, there is snickering. Love, Pat

I just wanted to confirm that the service for Ross is to be held at the Metropolitan United Church @ 56 Queen Street East in Toronto. There had been some confusion as there is more than one Metropolitan church in the city. Be Well, Vanessa

I have known Ross for forty years, and have spent a lot of time with him over my life, yet I do not feel that I really knew him. I only knew some things about him, and that I had a lot of respect for him. He hailed from the MacAngus side of my family, and he embodied culture, taste, and a sense of propriety that I always identified with people from my MacAngus family line. I thought he was a lot like his mother, my aunt, and I will always remember their rows over arrangements in preparation for parties. He was such a hard worker, diligently coming home to help my aunt with one thing or the other. (I vividly remember he working along side my Dad painting one of the stores, and Ross spilling a bucket of paint on my Dad's head.) Even as a child I recognized the loggerheads between son and mother, head strong as they worked through conflict over their own sense of style and vision. In remembrance of my cousin Ross, I was laughing with my parents about how, when we look around our house, we see evidence of our aunt and of Ross. It is because of Ross and my aunt, I know how to puddle a curtain, that taupe makes the best back drop, that you can wallpaper a ceiling, to use real art not copies, and finally how to properly set a table. My husband, gets annoyed with me, because I fret over the table setting, that it has to be exact! He says why, it is only family, but I know from Ross and my Aunt that it is those little things, the surroundings, that really matter and show you care. It is all about nesting and making our lives beautiful. This is something that I think that Ross and my aunt really understood. In essences, valuing family and home. If I dare to conjecture, I believe that Ross' interest in home, is what showed his real values, that he valued his family - that he loved his mother, father, sister and her family very much. It was evident to me, that it was Ross' family that was really paramount in his heart. My condolences to my cousins, may Ross rest in peace and be remembered properly, and with dignity. Love, Susan

Ross was a man of strength, courage, beauty, and, above all, love. He gave selflessly without any thought of return to anyone who needed him. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him, miss him, long for him. From the time I was a child Ross gave me the support, encouragement and independence that I needed to become the well-rounded adult that I am today. Without him I would be a shadow of the woman I am. I often wonder how I will stay strong without him--such a big piece of me is now missing. I know that his unconditional love will stay with me always. To those of you who loved Ross, please join us to celebrate his life and to remember the wonderful man he was. The memorial service will be held at the Metropolitan United Church on August 18th. The visitation will commence at 6pm, with the service to follow at 7pm. If any of you have ideas, wishes, photos, music or just know of things that you think Ross would have liked included in the service, please contact me at nessie101@hotmail.com.

Ross was my sponsor in AA for 2 1/2 years while he was living in Tampa,Florida. His kindness and loving but firm manner gave me a firm foundation in living the spiritual principals of the AA program. Even though I did decide to go back out I was fortunateand blessed to be able to return to AA and have another chance. My heart aches that I loss touch with you Ross. I wish you rest and peace. And a huge amount of gratitude for allowing me to be an incredible part of your life. Thank you.

A Memorial Service will be held for Ross at the Metropolitan Community Church on Monday August 18th at 6pm for all those wishing to attend.

I am in such pain at the loss of you. I have spent the last year being your friend and confidante, and was in terror at the depths of your darkness. But I just listened hoping that by being your safe place I could pull you back into a state of hope. I have to remind myself that you didn’t do this-but evil came to your door. Your goodness and light didn’t fathom the cruelty of mankind. Good night sweet Ross, my dear friend. Thank you for teaching me tolerance, patience and unconditional love.

My heart aches at the loss of you. I have spent the last year being your friend, confidante, safe place.

Take good care of him Lord.

I met Ross when we were both students at the University of Waterloo. We graduated the same year, 1969. Ross invited me to his friend's boat in Bobcaygeon. I have some good memories. Errol Semple.

Dear sister Isobel, family and Ross's many friends of Bobcaygeon Ontario! I have known Ross and his mother Ann for 25 years. Lots of happy memories to cherrish, dinner parties and good times with Ross and Lee. Such a tragic ending to a life full of promise...hope you are in a better place sharing good times with your relatives and friends.

I have known Ross for almost 30 years and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I hope that wherever he is, he is hosting a dinner party and telling yet another funny story. Farewell to a remarkable, generous and talented friend. Isobel & Dwight - if you need anything - I'm happy to help.

Ross decorated the homes of my parents in the 80's and he was a wonderful person with a great smile and magnificent taste. I always remember him going through the house and telling the builder where every light switch should be and being funny and brilliant. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Sally

The phone has been ringing off the hook. So many wonderful and fun memories. What can we say Ross......Thanks. All our love Fred and Andrew

Have a good flight Ross....

This is awful news. You were a very kind man Ross. You always lent a helping a hand. I hope they find the two people who did this do you. RIP