SAINT JOHN – Fred Ross’ funeral was held Saturday at Trinity Church in Saint John.
Born in Saint John in 1927, his eight-decade long career began at the Saint John Vocational School. He continued his studies in Mexico, but returned to Saint John in 1949. He shared his love of art as a teacher at the vocational school throughout the 1950s and 60s.
He retired from teaching in 1970 to focus on painting full time.
“When it goes out of the studio, it has to stand up as artwork, not because it’s Fred Ross, not because it comes from the Maritimes, but it has to stand up against all the other artwork out there and you can’t have any excuses,” said Ross during an interview with CTV News prior to his death.
He is world-renowned for his portraits and murals.
During his career, Ross received countless honours, including the Order of Canada. He was also named a Freeman of the City of Saint John - the highest honour bestowed by his hometown.
Fred Ross died Tuesday Aug. 19 at the age of 87.
