Ross Wayne Shearer

Ross Wayne Shearer, age 85, passed away November 16, 2024 in Claresholm, Alberta. He will be greatly missed by his family: wife of 62 years, Sharon; sons, Brent (Maureen) and Todd (Suzanne); sister, Janet Curle; and brother, Mark Shearer (Julie); five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Leonard, and mother Gladys.

Ross was born in Claresholm where he attended school and graduated in 1957. He was an avid curler from a young age, and was a member of the High School Curling team, together with Bernie Sparks, Chuck Braren, and Bruce Botheras, that represented Alberta at the Canadian School Curling Championships in Prince Edward Island. He also became a skilled fisherman. Among his enjoyments were camping, golf, and travelling.

He met Sharon at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where they married in 1962. He spent a few years in the finance business, moving from Edmonton to Red Deer, then Wetaskiwin, before deciding that the farm is where he wanted to be. So, together with Sharon and sons, Brent and Todd, he moved back to the family farm near Claresholm in 1969.

Somewhat of an innovator, he was among the first to import Murray Grey cattle from Australia and, for a time, served as president of the Alberta Murray Grey Association. Also, he was the first to introduce Milkvetch, a non-bloating forage crop, into this area, importing seed from Montana. Among his endeavors was coaching local hockey while his sons were active in the sport. He also served two terms as a trustee on the Livingstone Range School Division during the ‘80s.

His father was probably the source of his sense of humor, enjoyment of teasing (not always enjoyed by the recipient) and his sense of honor. He was a man of his word – if he gave it, he did is best to keep it, his word being stronger than a written contract, something he tried to impart to his sons and grandchildren. He often repeated his father’s statement, “Your word is something no one can take from you.” Gossip was a thing he did not condone, not liking to hear anything negative of anyone. Again, his father’s influence, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything.”

If friends so desire, a memorial donation may be made directly to Palliative Care, Claresholm General Hospital.

At Ross’s request, there will be no service. A friendly gathering is being planned for Ross, tentatively on February 22, 2025. Details will follow in the Local Press, closer to the date.

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