Bert Ross

LIFESTORY:

Bert Ross, a.k.a. Bob, Bobby, Dad, Pops, Karate Bob, Friend, Brother, Sensi, Mr. Ross, Uncle Bob and Papa.

Bert grew up as a first generation American, in a loving Scottish family. Bert was born on April 6, 1939 in Highland Park, Michigan. His father, Alexander (Alec) Ross and mother Williamina (Mina) Machintosh (Grossett) both met in Detroit after coming to the states directly from Scotland in 1923. He was the youngest of 4 children. Bert, his twin sister Jesse (Zedan) and their siblings Lilly Wright (Lil), Alexander Ross Jr, (Al) grew up in their home in North East Detroit on Russell Street. His half brother Bill grew up and resides in Scotland.

During Bert's early teen years, he spent a lot of time at the neighborhood ice rink and the city swim/dive club, were he won many ribbons. Water polo was another of his favorite sports. As a teenager, he worked at Slims Auto Service, which was frequented by some of the top racecar drivers, For example, Roger Lindenmode (who drove color me gone).

In 1956 at the age of 17, Bob went to a Halloween party, unaware he would meet his future bride there, Eileen Valsuano (15). At the age of 18, Bert was drafted into the U.S. Army. He attended his military training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, before being shipped overseas to Germany, where he was stationed for 18 months. Ironically, he was stationed at the same location with Elvis Presley!

On Sweetest day (October 16, 1960) Bert full of excitement, surprised Eileen by proposing marriage. And on May 20, 1961 they were both married. It was the beginning of a marriage that would last 44 wonderful years. In 1962, the young couple began their family with the birth of their first child Coleen Marie (December 22, 1962) and several years later with Bert William (December 8, 1967) and Michael Scott (December 6, 1969).

In 1969, Bert moved his family to 3059 Tyler, in Berkley, Michigan. This would be the place they called home for the next 22 years. Having a close family relationship was an important ingredient in Bert's life. Many happy times were spent with his cousins and siblings.

Bert loved the outdoors and every chance he got, the family spent time with nature. Camping was a way of life and they spent 7 years at their second home each weekend (Kings Landing Campground). Life long friendships were established and many good times were had.

During his working career, Bert enjoyed the outdoors while operating heavy construction equipment for Leo's Construction, where he spent 30 years. When winter set in each year he would find other things stay busy. One of those was snowplowing for businesses and the other, a hobby, would take his life into a new direction -"Karate".

Under the direction of Willie Adams, Bert's path in Isshinryu began. In 1968, he earned his first degree Black Belt. He began teaching Karate with the Adult Education Program at Berkley High and later Walled Lake and Madison Heights. Over the next 35 years, he devoted his life to the martial arts. In mid 1996, he began training under Master Angi Uezu. In April 2003 he was inducted into the Karate Hall of Fame and in May 2005 he obtained the rank of Hachi Dan (eighth degree).

In 1991, Bert and Eileen packed up all their belongings and began another journey by moving to Atlanta Georgia where they enjoyed the more mild winters.

Early in 2002, Bert came out of retirement to support his sons as they developed their own landscape business, by calling on his long experience in the trade. He loved to help out his friends and family with handyman jobs. Late in life, he discovered and utilized his talents in arts/crafts.

On September 26, 2005 Bert had the first of many strokes. During his struggle with rehabilitating, he was diagnosed with cancer, which took his life on Monday, November 14, 2005 at the age of 66.

Bert was always there with a helping hand and was loved by many. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Eileen and children: Coleen & Steve Richardson; Bert & Melissa Ross; and Mike & Terri Ross. Loving grandfather of: Kirsten; Tanner; Sarah; Meghan; Madison; Ross; Kristie; and Jason.

A Celebration of Life Service is being held at Boulder Pointe, Oxford, MI at 8pm, Saturday, December 3, 2005.

Karate seminar is being held in honor of Master Bert Ross on Sunday, December 4 from 1-6pm at the Warren Community Center, 5440 Arden, Warren, MI. For more information contact 586-497-3508.

The family is being assisted by the Today Center, 877-965-7200. Please visit Bert's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory, or make a memorial donation to Vista Care Hospice Foundation.