Mr. Ross Lee Armstrong

Ross Lee Armstrong of High River, Alberta, passed away with his beloved family by his side on August 5, 2026, at Millrise Seniors Village in Calgary, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Plus. He was 88. Ross is survived by Bev, his loving wife of 64 years; their children, Darrel (Dianne), Diane (Harry), and Gail (Dave); grandchildren Keagan, Cailea, Brittany, Liam (Hope), Mitchel, and Cassie; great-grandchildren Soha, Ehaan, and Muniza; and many other family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Bazil and Gertrude; his brother David and sister-in-law Jean; and his sister Carol Zatelny and brother-in-law Bill. Ross grew up on a farm in the Stettler area and attended a one-room country school for several years. Riding his horse to school in both winter and summer brought many adventures. After graduating from Stettler High School in 1956, he worked in the oilfields before enrolling in SAIT’s two-year Automotive Mechanic program, where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated in 1960. One highlight of his life was the summer he spent driving a tour bus in Banff for Brewster Sightseeing Tours, an experience that became the source of many wonderful and funny stories. He then moved back to Stettler, began working at Superior Garage, and met the love of his life, Bev. Ross and Bev were married on December 23, 1961, in Stettler and moved to Calgary in 1962. They lived there until the summer of 1964, when they returned to central Alberta to begin farming southeast of Big Valley. They raised their three children there before moving west of Stettler in 1977 to take over the family farm. Ross enjoyed serving two terms on Stettler County Council from 1993 to 1999, working tirelessly on behalf of the community. He received his pilot’s licence in 1984 and was active in the local flying club for many years. Ross and Bev were avid snowmobilers, and country living offered countless opportunities for cross-country rides, with Ross often leading the group. They made many trips to the mountains, as well as several trips into the United States, including visits to Yellowstone National Park and Stanley, Idaho. Ross and Bev were active members of the Tail Creek Snowbirds, and he also served as a director of the Alberta Snowmobile Association. Ross and Bev retired from the farm and moved to High River in 2000, where Ross quickly found a new group of early-morning coffee buddies. Skilled at many different tasks, he spent countless hours helping his children build decks, play centres, and fences. Golf was a lifelong passion, and in retirement he greatly enjoyed the weekly Seniors League at Crystal Ridge Golf Course in Okotoks. He fulfilled his goal of golfing in every Canadian province. Ross and Bev were fortunate to travel widely and share many special experiences, including a memorable trip to the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia to visit extended family. They also toured Great Britain and Ireland, where the islands and Highlands of Scotland were a highlight. Other favourite destinations included Mazatlán, Mexico, and Hawaii, where they spent happy times with their children and grandchildren, as well as Yuma, Arizona, where they spent several winters. Camping was another lifelong passion, from tenting to travelling in a fifth-wheel RV; their journeys included a cross-Canada trip, while outings to Kananaskis Country remained a family favourite. His quick wit and special sense of humour will be missed by all. Donations can be made to Millrise Seniors Village. Interment will take place at High River Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life will be held at Crystal Ridge Golf Course on October 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403 652 4242.