From page 11 of 8 Apr 1943 Simcoe Reformer [an editorial]:

The Late F. W. M. Ross

Although he had been in ill-health for some time, the sudden passing of F. W. M. Ross last Sunday came as a shock to a host of friends in Simcoe and district.

His death removes one of the best-known business and industrial leaders of this town. 

For the past 30 years he had been the enterprising head of St. Williams Preservers Ltd. and in this capacity he had an important role in stimulating the production of small fruits in Norfolk County. His wide knowledge of economic trends and his business sagacity enabled him to achieve signal success in his chosen field of endeavor. 

Through his connection with the trade, Mr. Ross became widely-known among retailers and wholesalers throughout the province. In fact the St. Williams trade-mark became a familiar one right across Canada. Its popularity with retailers and housewives was the best tribute to the business acumen of its founder.

Fred Ross will be missed not only in the commercial life of the district, but as a man who counted a wide circle of intimate friends. His sterling character and winning personality, coupled with his exceptional ability as a conversationalist, made him a general favorite. The community will join in extending sincere sympathy to the family in the great loss which they have sustained.
 

From page 1 of 5 Apr 1943 Simcoe Reformer:.

F. W. M. Ross dies suddenly
Prominent jam manufacturer 
passes away following 
heart seizure

President of the St. Williams Preservers Ltd., and widely known in the jam manufacturing industry, Frederick W. M. Ross of Simcoe died suddenly as the result of a heart attack on Sunday while visiting at the home of his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Jackson.

Born in London, England, the late Mr. Ross came to Canada in 1912 and for two years was in the employ of Wagstaffe's Ltd. In 1914 he moved to St. Williams where he opened the St. Williams Jam Factory, moving the business to Simcoe in 1918. 

Six years later the firm became an incorporated company and Mr. Ross was named president. Since then he continued in business in Simcoe and today the firm is the second largest of its kind in the Dominion. 

He was a member of Trinity Anglican Church.

Besides his wife, formerly Kathleen Brock, his is survived by one son, Sgt. John F. Ross of the Artillery Training Centre at Brandon, Manitoba; two daughters, Margaret, at home, and Jean with the British Inspection Board, Toronto, and one sister, Mrs. Arthur White of Liverpool, England.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock from the family residence 286 Union Street, with Rev. W. E. V. McMillen officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery."
 

From the page 3 of 8 Apr 1943 Simcoe Reformer:

frederick w. m. ross

With a large gathering of friends and relatives in attendance, funeral services for Frederick W. M. Ross, prominent industrialist and president of St. Williams Preservers, Ltd., who passed away suddenly on Sunday, in his 65th year, were conducted from the family residence, 286 Union Street, on Wednesday afternoon at 2.30 o'clock.

Rev. W. E. V. McMillen of Trinity Anglican Church officiated at the home and graveside. The pallbearers were Dr. A. B. Jackson, Joseph Jackson, 
David Gilbertson, Kline Stinson, John Waddell and 
S. F. Hoye. The floral bearers were H. G. Evans, 
R. C. Brown, C. F. West and Dr. Felix Redlich. 
Interment was made in Oakwood cemetery.

Among the profusion of floral tributes were tokens from the following: Canada Starch Co., Montreal; 
Dominion Glass Co., Hamilton;
Consolidated Bottle Co., Toronto;
Ambrose Kennedy and Son, Ottawa;
officers and directors of Corrugated Paper Box Co. Ltd.,
Wagstaffe's Ltd., Hamilton; 
president and directors of the T. Eaton Co., Ltd.;
F. Archibald and Co., Winnipeg; 
E. D. Smith and Sons, Ltd.; Winona;
Douglas Pectin, Ltd., Cobourg;
Canada Steamship Lines; 
Mundet Cork and Insulation Ltd.
Simcoe Rotary Club; 
Sheriff's Ltd.; 
employees of St. Williams Preservers, Ltd.; 
Consumers' Glass Co., Montreal;
Kraft Containers, Ltd.; 
Glass Co., Ltd., Oakville; 
Niagara Packers, Ltd.,
and the managers of Canners' Machinery, Ltd..
 
 

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