Laurier and Community extend sympathy to the family of Ross Dixon

Waterloo - Laurier extends the deepest sympathy to the family of Ross Dixon, a philanthropist and Kitchener-Waterloo businessperson, who passed away September 16 in Kitchener. Alongside his late wife Doris, who passed away in December 2008, Ross supported Laurier for many years.

Ross was on the Wilfrid Laurier University Board of Governors from 1979 to 1985. In 1988, Ross and Doris were made honorary alumni of the university. They established a number of scholarships and awards for the benefit of part-time and full-time MBA, music and science students, as well as for students who use the services of, or volunteer with, the Accessible Learning Centre.

Ross is described by family as an entrepreneur and a successful businessperson who made significant contributions to life in Kitchener-Waterloo. Together with his wife, Ross supported many causes, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the United Way, K-W Symphony, Grand River Hospital, the University of Waterloo, McMaster University and the Hillfield Strathallan Foundation in Hamilton.

For their generous support of Laurier and the community, both Ross and Doris received honorary degrees at Wilfrid Laurier University’s spring convocation in 2002.

A memorial service was held on September 19. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters through Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, Kitchener.