OBITUARY

Keith Alan Ross was born on January 29, 1947 in Compton, California. His parents were the late Wilbur and Rosemary (Page) Ross. He attended high school in Santa Clara, CA.  After high school Keith proudly served in the United States Army from March 4, 1966 to January 28,1969, serving two tours in Vietnam as a scout dog handler and with the military police. After his service days, he traveled in Canada then operated a resort while there.  He enjoyed traveling the United States, living and working in Florida, Texas, and Arkansas before returning to California.  Keith was united in marriage to Cindy Nelson, March 29, 2002 in Reno, Nevada.  They made their home in the Lakes Area of Minnesota. He wrote a weekly pet column for the Perham, Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes newspapers. He authored the book, Tales from the Bark Side in 2007.

Keith loved cooking for family and friends, especially being the grill master. He had a passion for music, particularly smooth jazz.  Keith not only enjoyed writing, but was a voracious reader often reading a book 3 to 5 times. Living in the Silicon Valley, he was a wine connoisseur and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of fine wines. Keith enjoyed following his favorite sports teams from the Giants, the 49er’s to the Bison. Like other hopeful Minnesotans, he was thinking this could be the year for the Vikings. He had a steel trap mind and loved talking stats with other sports enthusiasts. He and Cindy raised German Shepherds, they were a great form of therapy, and the inspiration to many of Keith’s tales for his column. 

On September 11, 2019, at the age of 72, Keith passed away in his home after a long battle due to Agent Orange.  His loving wife and family were by his side. Keith was under the loving care of the Red River Valley Hospice.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Wilbur and Rosemary Ross; brother, Larry Ross. 

Keith is survived by his wife, Cindy Ross of Richville; step-daughter, Angie (Mike) Schreader of Perham; step-son, Jacob (Jill) Christopherson of Wahpeton, ND; step-grandchildren: Sam, Lauren and Hadley Schreader; Aaron and Ryan Meyer and Joesph Christopherson; sisters: Phyliss Ross Weller and Leilani Ross; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. 

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.