Ross Harold Hermiston left this mortal coil on September 1, 2023. Determined to depart on his own terms, he chose medical assistance in dying. He will continue to teach as he donated his body to medical science at Dalhousie University.
Ross grew up in Ottawa and Stirling, Ontario. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950 and sailed on HMCS New Liskeard. The Navy sent him to Queen's University where he received a B.Comm. and where he met Gail (née Dyment); they married in 1955. He worked for Bell Canada in Montreal, got his teaching certificate and taught high school English (O.S.C.V.I. and LaSalle High School) until joining St. Lawrence College (Kingston) in 1968. There he walked or bicycled to work and taught courses on global issues, business, English, and also taught in prisons in the Kingston area. Ross was an activist for peace, justice and the environment, involved in many community groups working to increase awareness of global issues even in the 1970s. He retired in 1990.
Ross and Gail would often be seen bicycling in Kingston, on bike trails, at the market, and having a picnic in various parks. After retiring, they bicycled in Ireland, the Netherlands, France and Italy. While Gail focussed on tai chi, yoga, reading, gardening and inner peace, Ross wrote and continued reading voraciously. They both learned cello and played with the Limestone City Strings. They moved to Nova Scotia in 2008 to be closer to their children. Ross continued his community involvement helping with Friends of the Hantsport Public Library and playing clarinet in the Hantsport Community Band, living independently after Gail's passing (March 28, 2021).
Ross wrote about his family history, Hermiston Lore, and many books including his philosophical perspectives on politics, climate change, freedom, history, world peace, Shakespeare and Van Gogh. He was well known for his prolific poetry. He leaves an unfinished novel of the history of the world. His collection of poems "Philosopher's Poetry" is available online.
Ross is survived by his four children - Michael (Leslie), Jan, Ross, Rachel (Martin2), grandson Ethan, brother Ray (Kay), nieces Sandy, Susan, Nancy and Ann, nephew Andrew, and their respective families. He is predeceased by his wife Gail and brother Jack.
In lieu of flowers or donations, you are invited to spend time going for a walk, marveling at the night sky, riding your bicycle, appreciating the beauty of nature.