Submitted by: Dan Rich

J. Robert Ross, DVM

June 27, 1932 - Aug. 4, 2002

South Bend Tribune 8/8/2002

J. Robert (Bob) Ross, 70, of Granger, Indiana, died at 12:00 noon on Sunday, August 4, at Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center following a year-long illness. Bob was born on June 27, 1932, in South Bend, Indiana, to Pauline Beck Ross and Donald C. Ross.

On September 14, 1957, he married the former Jill Jacobson, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Curtis Robert Ross of Chula Vista, CA; a daughter, Pamela (Allan) Todd of Peachtree City, GA; and two granddaughters, Abigail and Hannah Todd of Peachtree City, GA.

A lifelong resident of the Michiana area, Bob was a member of the 1950 graduating class at John Adams High School, South Bend, IN. He received a BS in Agriculture at Purdue University in 1955 where he was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He then received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at The Ohio State University in 1959 where he was a member of the Omega Tau Sigma Veterinary Fraternity. Always having a desire to learn more, he continued his education while in his 60s and received a Master of Science in Aquatic Animal Health at Mississippi State University in 1994.

ob began his career in veterinary medicine at the Magrane Animal Hospital, Mishawaka, IN. In 1967 he opened the Niles Animal Clinic in Niles, MI, where he practiced until retirement in 1987. He was a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Past President and lifetime member of the Michiana Veterinary Medical Association. Throughout his life, Bob served his church, Wesley United Methodist Church, in a variety of ways. He also served on the Niles Park Board and Babe Ruth Baseball Committee, and volunteered for Firefly Festival and Explorer Scouts. A patient and gentle man, Bob was respected and loved by many. His kind nature was always apparent in his life, from the way he worked with animals to his relationships with friends and new acquaintances. He was an instant friend to many he met.

Bob greatly enjoyed his retirement, pursuing his many interests. Having acted during his college years, he returned to the stage in several productions with the South Bend Civic Theatre; his most memorable role was his portrayal of Clarence Darrow in Inherit the Wind. Bob developed a passion for fly fishing and spent many hours on the Au Sable and Ontonagon Rivers alone and with friends. He was an avid reader of prose and poetry and enjoyed an occasional game of golf. Traveling and being with his family were special joys for him.

Friends may call on the family at the Ross home on Friday, August 9, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles, MI, on Saturday, August 10, at 11:00 a.m. (Indiana time), with visitation one hour before the service. Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles, MI; South Bend Civic Theatre; or the Purdue Foundation/Alumni Center.