Obituary of Joseph William Ross Daly

Daly, Joseph William “Ross” Daly

With proud hearts, we share the peaceful transition to Heaven of Joseph William "Ross" Daly, age 97, on January 26, 2022 at Woodstock General Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. Beloved husband of Mary (Van den Hengel) Daly for 36 years. Loving father of Janice (Jack) Allardyce and Denise McLachlin. Cherished grandfather to Wesley (Melissa) McLachlin, Jacey (Sean) Lund and Mike Allardyce. Proud great father to Hendrix, Hudson and Olivia McLachlin and Henry and Maizie Lund. Ross was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Florence Daly; his infant son Joseph; his sister Elaine and brother-in-law George Kramer, his sister Jean and brother-in-law Tom Schmalz, their infant daughter Debra Lou, his brother Ken and sister-in-law Joyce Daly, his nephew Scott Daly and niece Kathy (Bob) Speziale; and the mother of his children, Edythe (Yausie) Daly. Much loved uncle and great uncle to many, many nieces and nephews and beloved cousin to a large "Daly" family.

During his high school years at St. Jerome's in Kitchener, Ontario, Dad worked delivering groceries on his bicycle for his Mom and Dad's business, Daly Grocers. He then spent many years employed by Ellis & Howard Ltd, a Canadian electronics firm in Kitchener, Ontario. Dad next worked for several years as an agent for the Retail Sales Tax branch of the Ontario government in London, Ontario. Our family moved to Sarnia and Dad worked for Pfizer Co., Dome Petroleum and ITT Grinnell.

Dad was a dedicated trustee for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board from 2001 - 2010 (age 77 - 86). He truly loved that "job" more than anything, attending meetings, school openings, graduations, and travelling for OCSTA/CCSTA conferences in Toronto, Thunder Bay and Newfoundland. He was so proud to encourage children to embrace their Catholic faith. He would often attend schools at lunch hour and pray the rosary with the children. He was a true disciple of Jesus.

Not ready to retire, he became a board member for Waste Management in Watford from 2010 - 2018 (age 86 - 93). He always had so much "FUN" reading his emails and material in order to be fully prepared for the board meetings.

Dad was a strong advocate and member of the AA fellowship and Knights of Columbus for 40 years.

Dad and Mary enjoyed travelling to Toronto for concerts and Blue Jay games, Treasure Island, FLA for R & R, THE DALY COTTAGE at Lakeside, Ontario for family get-togethers and Holland to visit relatives. Above all, he enjoyed going to the Pinery, canoe trips with the kids, Ipperwash Beach, Bluewater Bridge or his back yard, just soaking up the sun. It was a passion of his to just "sit" in the sun. He just enjoyed DRIVING anywhere. As his nephews, nieces and several friends have commented: As soon as he saw you, his smile and eyes just lit up, followed by his usual Hello!!! He always dressed impeccably, shirt and tie for meetings, loved new shoes, but no shirts in the sun!!!

All your family and friends will miss that smile, bright blue eyes and the gentleman you always were.

A Visitation will take place at DENNING’S OF WATFORD on May 6, 2022 from 10:00-11:30am. Following the Visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church at 12:00pm. Interment to follow at Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, "In Memoriam" donations can be made to The Friends of Pinery Park and the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. Condolences and donations may be made online.