ROSS OLIVER HAMBLY

Ross Oliver Hambly died peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, at La Conner Retirement Inn, at the age of 101 years. Ross lived a long life, for which his family is grateful.

Ross was born on December 6, 1913 in Duluth, Minnesota to parents Richard Oliver and Josephine Hambly. He was the third of four siblings: sister, Vivian and two brothers, Wayne and Richard Rex (Bud).

Ross graduated from Central High School in Duluth in June 1932. On July 1, 1934 he married Eileen Claire O’Leary. Their son, John Leary Ross, was born in Duluth. In 1945 Ross and Eileen moved west. A daughter, Pamela Jean, was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and two daughters, Mary Anne and Nancy Eugenia, were born in Seattle.

Ross followed his father into a career as a “railroad man.” First employed as a secretary with the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railroad, Ross worked his way up in the traffic and sales departments. As his career progressed he worked in Seattle as manager of area sales for the western U.S. for the Soo Line Rilroad. He retired from the Soo Line in February 1981 with 42 years of service.

Ross made the most of his retirement. For over 15 years, he enjoyed traveling, accompanied by his friend and companion Maren Petersen. Trips to Arizona for golf and Mariners spring training were high on the list of destinations. Back home in Seattle, he was active with daily walking, golf and creative woodworking projects. Ross enjoyed a short nine holes of golf twice a week with his railroad friends until his late 80s.

During his years as a Seattle resident, Ross lived in the Roosevelt and Magnolia neighborhoods. In 2000 Ross moved to The Hearthstone Retirement Community and enjoyed an active life near Green Lake. He moved to La Conner in 2011 to be near his daughter, Nancy, and son-in-law, John Hinton.

During his 101 years, Ross met and befriended many people, who universally remember him with respect and genuine appreciation. His longevity and a good life, well lived, provide a wealth of fond memories for his family and friends.

Ross is survived by son, John Leary Ross Hambly (Pat) of Walnut Creek, California; daughter Mary Hambly of Bloomington, Indiana; daughter Nancy Hinton (John) of La Conner; son-in-law, James Bradford (Maria) of Buenos Aires, Argentina; eight grandchildren: Todd, Carrie, Stacy, Ron, Danny, Jane, Joe Andrew, their spouses and partners; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen Claire O’Leary Hambly; daughter, Pamela Jean Bradford; daughter-in-law, Jean Jensen Hambly; friend and companion, Maren Petersen, and his parents and siblings.

A special thanks goes to staff and residents of La Conner Retirement Inn for their friendship and support, and to Marcy Shapley, PA-C, Dr. Charles Kotal, and the La Conner Medical Center for their care and advice. The services of Hospice of the Northwest were invaluable in his last weeks.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ross’s memory to Hospice of the Northwest.