Douglas ROSS Obituary

To pop,

I miss you with all my heart, some days I suddenly think about you and how much I wish you were still here, I will never forget what a kind heart you were to all of us. I love you and don't forget you will always be in our hearts. <3

A time of reflection over this past week as we celebrate the well lived lives of two members of THE FOODTOWN FAMILY Doug Ross and Jim O'Callaghan, Executives, work colleagues and leaders within their respective roles in an Organisation which was Progressive in every sense of the word. Each member of the Foodtown Family will have different memories and recollections of what Doug and Jim represented to them and what impact they each had on our individual lives. We Celebrate them both-may they rest in peace.

Doug was an important person in my early life from somewhere starting around 1941/42 to 1960 when I left NZ. Despite our age differences and living in distant parts of the world we remained in touch.
We were 'soul brothers'.
My deepest sympathy to Kay and Quentin and their families..
Kerry Johnston Ottawa Canada

An officer and a gentleman indeed. A long-standing and much venerated member of the Auckland Officers' Club.
He will be sorely missed.
Grant Ellis

To Doug's extended family, please accept my sincerest condolences on his passing.

John Wylie

The most exceptional,the kindest person I have ever met.A Total Legend. At rest with Maree."Promoted to Glory"
With love from Alan and all the Taylor family

,My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.Doug and Marie were very special and kind to me.Sincere sympathy for all of the family.Loeta Taylor

To Dougs family,

I will always remember the kindness and friendship Marie and Doug gave to us when we were building our first home in front of them at Waimarie St, St Heliers in the 1970s. Morning tea, wonderful chats, and a great support when I had my first baby.
I loved catching up with Doug even in his later years going to Jack Lums for his fruit and vegetables. He was an inspirational man and with such a great memory of my 3 children, especially Sarah who shares her birthday with Hayden.
A true gentleman and will be remembered by many.
Teresa, James, Sarah and Nick Polhill.

Mr Ross was my first contact with Foodtown. He employed me as a schoolboy when Kelston had just opened. He impressed me then and left me with an impression that he only ever amplified the longer I knew him. He was a man of great mana, empathy, patience and kindness, and my biggest regret was being unable to see him once again. I would have liked to thank him for his what his example provided in my life.I had also the good luck to work with some of his children when they worked at Kelston during the school holidays. They were a tribute to this man. My love and sincere condolences to all his family. Michael.

To Doug's Family,

Doug was like a grandfather to me growing up, while he was still a resident at 406 Remuera Road. I will always miss our chats about his days in the service, and his days with Foodtown. I will miss you greatly Doug, Rest in Peace.

To Doug's Family

Doug you inspired me at a young age and the success I have had in business is due to emulating your amazing skills to inspire people to always do their best.
To the team working in the stores you were "Mr Foodtown" and held in the highest regard.

Mark and Wendy Jones

To Doug Ross's wider family

Our thoughts are with you at this time. Doug has been a very special person to many many people. His ability to inspire and motivate people is truly outstanding. He was the face of Foodtown for all who were at store level, and always made a point of calling people by name. He has influenced so many lives with his manner and advice, truly an outstanding person who will be missed but remembered fondly.
Rest In Peace.

To the Ross Family - please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Doug hired my late father George to work for 'Foodtown' back in 1964. Growing up, I always thought of Doug as a family friend. When I eventually started with Progressive I could see that his kind, caring nature extended to everyone that he came into contact with. He really connected with people, showing interest and giving encouragement, and seemed to never forget a person's name. He was not only a great manager and mentor but also a genuinely nice guy.
With much respect, Rest In Peace Doug, it was a privilege to know you.
Paul Osborne & family

Very special memories of a very special person during DSR's years at Foodtown. Friend to all. Will be sadly missed. Memories for ever. RIP
Tricia and the Late Ron Norton.

To Doug's family, my condolences. I worked At Otahuhu Foodtown as a 16-17 year old 40 yrs ago and Doug always talked to me like he was talking to his best friend. Such a gentleman. R.I.P-Irene Walker

To Doug's Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Doug for over 15 years and during that time worked in the office next door to him for a lot of those years.
During that time Doug taught me many of the life values that one tries to retain. Above all he showed amazing compassion and recognition of all people. He had the ability to connect with everybody within seconds of meeting them and at all times retained a level of humility that was just second to none. As a result he gained amazing respect from all that met him. He will always be remembered as a great Father figure of Foodtown and a great example of what the world could follow.
I will never forget the impact that he made on my life.
Rest In Peace.
Gary and Lorraine Vugler

Thinking of The family at this time of Sadness and Celebration of a long life well lived . We have indelible memories of Doug's wonderful contribution ..... a generous man of mind , heart and soul , a loyal friend , a true Patriot .
Everyone in Heaven will now be doin' The Lambeth walk !