Ross Kent Sturdy – 90, Truro, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with his beloved wife, Marge, by his side.
Ross, Dad, Papa was a fun-loving, kind man who loved making people laugh. He always had a witty tale at the ready and a wry comment on the tip of his tongue. His mischievous smile was quick to follow just in case you didn’t know he was pulling your leg. Those who knew him well could recognize the special ‘look’ that meant he was about to tell a really funny story!
Ross approached life with joie de vivre. Family and friends were a cornerstone. He enjoyed good food and a good Malbec. He rarely missed watching a Toronto Blue Jays game, and he was always ready to opine on their successes and failures on the diamond.
Ross will be greatly missed by Marge, his "boo," with whom he lived a wonderful life. They were a devoted couple who shared a deep, great love. Their care for each other, the joy they found in a good laugh, and their 47 years of Thursday date nights sustained their bond.
Ross was born in Halifax to Joseph and Zara (Tate) Sturdy. He grew up with his brothers, Gerald and Gordon. He enjoyed playing baseball, his position was catcher. As a youth, Ross was a very proud Eagle Scout, had a strong affiliation with the Boy Scouts and attended jamborees in Ottawa and Austria. Ross had fond memories of his early job as a cook on the Canadian railroad trains (DAR).
At age 21 he began his career in management in Truro, Nova Scotia, for the Bank of Montreal. After moving to Toronto, he continued working with the bank, rising to Vice President and Assistant Chief Auditor before his retirement, which is when he and Marge returned to the Maritimes, settling back in Truro.
Retirement led to new endeavours: making wonderful new friends, working in his vegetable garden, golfing, and hosting his grandchildren when they visited in the summers. In addition to being good with numbers, Ross discovered he had artistic talent. He took up wood carving and belonged to Truro Carvers. He also had a talent for oil painting. He was a past President of Golden K Club and volunteered with Colchester East Hants Health Centre Hospital Auxiliary for a number of years. Ross, along with Marge, was an avid traveler and together they visited many countries. They spent winters at their home in Florida, enjoying their time there with family. In recent years, they went on countless road trips, as driving was one of Ross’ favourite things to do.
Dad and ‘Papa’ Ross was much loved by his children, Carla Sturdy (Robyn) and Christopher Sturdy; stepchildren, Deborah Hartley, Cheryl Miller (Skip) and David Hartley (Linda); grandchildren, Ryan Sturdy, Myles Sturdy, Sarah Hartley (Greg), Jeff Denham (Laura), Tara Mattis (Daniel), Brett Hartley, Ryan Hartley, Ashley Owen (Vince), Whitney Owen; great-grandchildren, Elliot and Cole (Sarah/Greg).
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-6 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, at Truro Golf Club, 86 Golf Street, Truro, This will be a celebration so wear your bright, colourful outfits in honour of Ross. While there will likely be a few tears, we will also share some laughs—Ross wouldn’t want it any other way.
Donations in Ross’ name will be gratefully accepted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com