Mr. John Gross

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a true legend. John ‘Spiro’ Russell Gross passed away peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital on July 13, 2021. Loving husband of Catherine (nee: Cressey) of almost 61 years. Brother of Betsy Gross of Orillia and Stanley & Lois Gross of Minden. Brother-in-Law to Judy Brush and Claire & Bill Cressey-Forsyth both of Massey. Travel buddy and Loyal dog Jasper.

John was born in Toronto, on April 7, 1939, he survived Hurricane Hazel in 1954 which during he saved and kept safe a baby girl on a roof top. John & Cathy moved to Listowel in 1966/67 with their 3 children. He purchased Monarch Implement the Allis-Chambers & Ski-Doo dealership. With his passion for sports, he also opened Spiro Sports.  He was a Volunteer Firefighter in Listowel, Toronto Go Transit and local Cherrey Bus Driver for many years.  John coached his children & grandchildren hockey in Listowel, Wallace, Elma Logan and Milverton with many of these teams winning WOAA, OMHA, OWHA & Silver Stick Championships.  He was an executive member of many organizations within the hockey and tractor communities and a 35 year Legion Member.  As well has for many years sponsored a Trophy in his name to the OMHA Midget BB Ontario Champions.  He was a founding member of the Listowel Jr. C Cyclones in 1972. John and Cathy enjoyed their spare time at the cottage on Maple Lake in northern Ontario. He enjoyed and was proud of his 39er’s buddies, and his coffee friends at Carson’s. He happily volunteered for VON and drove for Meals on Wheels and was a special friend to Brad, Larry, Dale and many more who will all miss him dearly.

Loving father of Chad & Susie Gross of Massey, Tracey & Bryan Nichol and Peggie & Paul Meulensteen both of Listowel. The best Grandpa who put hundreds of thousands of kms on many vehicles while never missing a hockey game, swim meet, baseball game, soccer game, lacrosse game, gymnastics, dance recital, birthday, or special event to Bailey (Bryan) of Millbank, Shay (Jamie) of Staffa, Callie (Scott) of Lively, Drew of Millbank, Morgan (Josh) of Glencoe, Kayla of Hanover, Ashton of Listowel, Jessa (Brandon) of Listowel and Brett (Wendy) of Listowel.  Greatly missed by 12 great grandchildren Ella, Hendrik, Phoebe, Ryleigh, Chester, Tilly, Livia, Brynlee, Blake, Penny, John-Paul, Lucy and one more coming any day. Many Nieces, Nephews, their families and all of you, his Special Friends that have become Family.

A Special Thanks to Sue and Dr. Cameron, for all the wonderful care given.

“Be Good” - John Gross

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday July 18, 2021 at 11am at the Former Listowel Memorial Arena Site, (380 Maitland Ave, Listowel) with Rev. Ralph Dwarika officiating. Covid Restrictions will be in place.

We would love to hear your memories of John/Dad/Grandpa, Please send us your Memories and Photos to JohnGrossMemories@hotmail.com

In lieu of Flowers, donations to Listowel Minor Hockey, c/o Branden McGee, 19 Jackson Cres., Listowel, ON N4W 1K2, Listowel Jr. B Cyclones, Box 143, Listowel, ON N4W 3H2, WOAA (Western Ontario Athletic Association), 49 Alfred St. W., Wingham, ON NOG 2W0, Listowel Legion Branch 259, 565 Elizabeth St., Listowel, ON N4W 2R1 would be appreciated.