My Dad, Ross Oliver Hambly

On December 21st I traveled out to Washington state to be with my Father and my family. Dad lived an exceptionally long life, always in close proximity to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I am so grateful that I was able to be with him during his last days. When he retired in 1981 his employers described him as a "solid citizen" and thanked him for his "splendid cooperation". I thank him for all he taught his children and I move forward with the lessons learned and a wealth of fond memories.

December 2010

Obituary

Ross Oliver Hambly died peacefully on January 6, 2015 at The La Conner Retirement Inn, La Conner, Washington, 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, MN to parents Richard Oliver and Josephine Hambly. He was the third of four siblings: sister, Vivian and two brothers, Wayne and Richard Rex (Bud).

He 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, ND and two daughters, Mary Anne and Nancy Eugenia, were born in Seattle, WA.

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 US for the Soo Line Railroad. He retired from the Soo Line in February 1981 with 42 years of service to the railroads.

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 80's.

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, WA 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, CA; daughter Mary Hambly of Bloomington, IN; daughter Nancy Hinton (John) of La Conner, WA; son in law, James Bradford (Maria) of Buenos Aries, Argentina; eight grandchildren: Todd, Carrie, Stacy, Ron, Danny, Jane, Joe, Andrew, their spouses and partners; ten 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.

Special thanks go to the staff and residents of The La Conner Retirement Inn for their friendship and support. The services of Hospice of the Northwest were invaluable in his last weeks.

Dad was one month to the day past his 101st birthday on January 6, 2015. Peace be with him.