MCCORKLE, William “Ross”

November 24, 1938 — November 20, 2024

It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the loss of William “Ross” McCorkle, who passed away surrounded by his loving family, on November 20, 2024, just days before his 86th birthday.

Ross is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Shirlee McCorkle (pup Sami); son Shawn(Diane) McCorkle; daughter Shari (Simon) Damphousse; daughter Shannon (Mike) Dalton; grandchildren Darci (Gabor), Tahni (Chaunce), Isabelle, Karli (Ben), and Beau (Tessa); great-grandchildren Diezel and Willow; as well as nieces, nephews & families.

Ross was predeceased by his father and mother, Wilbur “Bill” and Blanche McCorkle; sisters Ellen (Norm); Eileen (Lawrence); Willis (Ken), and Sandra (Fred).

Ross was born in Granum, Alberta, and was the only boy of 5 children. His early years were spent on a farm and in town with his parents and four sisters in southern Alberta, and later northern Alberta.

He moved to Cold Lake and embarked on a landscaping career with his father that would last several years. It was here that he met the love of his life, Shirlee and they married in 1960 and celebrated their 64th Anniversary this past September. Soon after getting married they started their family and travelled across western and central Canada with work.

In 1967, Ross and his family of 5 moved to Fox Creek as he and his father had previously purchased a sawmill, where they would remain for several years. Ross and Shirlee quickly became involved in the community, joining or helping to create clubs such as the curling league, Lions Club, skidoo club, to name a few and had so much fun, made lifelong friends, and shared many treasured memories.

In 1975, they moved back to Cold Lake where Ross operated an auto dealership and later transitioned into the oilfield industry, where they united with friends old and new. They spent many summers boating, fishing, and waterskiing with friends and family, creating more cherished memories.

In 1985, after their youngest graduated, they moved onto new adventures in Edmonton, and a few other areas before finally settling for good in Kelowna, BC in 1999, where they enjoyed life into retirement.

Ross was a jack of all trades, could fix anything, and would generously help or build anything needed for family, friends, and neighbours. Some of Ross’ favorite pastimes were watching his grandson’s hockey, Oilers hockey, Seahawks football, golfing, woodworking, and finally e-biking, which he did faithfully, clocking 25km a day year-round, almost to the very end. He also had a love of dogs (Hunter, Roxy, and Sami) and often would be seen with one of them in his bike basket.

From the time he was young Ross loved to joke around and play practical jokes with his friends. He maintained that sense of humour until his final hours. Ross was a devoted family man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren above all else. They meant the world to him and brought him joy and contentment.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. You’ll be forever in our hearts Sweetheart, Dad, Rosco, Bups.

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