Dr. John A.T. Ross, former resident of Ketchum, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30, at the age of 86.
He was born in Hamburg, Germany, on April 20, 1927, and grew up in Switzerland. He emigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1940. John was a head and neck surgeon and ear, nose, and throat specialist in San Francisco. Dr. Ross invented new surgeries, taught at UCSF, was beloved by his patients, colleagues and friends.
He met and married the love of his life, Solveig, in 1954, and soon after, they began a family in San Francisco. Four children and a distinguished medical career later, they moved to Ketchum, Idaho, and built their dream home. The family grew, and John’s grandchildren have fond memories of their Papa yodeling in the Sawtooth Mountains and taking them on hikes that challenged everyone but him.
John and Solveig were active members of the Valley community until soon after their 50th wedding anniversary, when they moved to Bend, Ore., where they resided at the time of John’s death.
John is survived by his wife, Solveig, residing currently at Touchmark Bend; their four children, Katherine, Lene, John and Sonja; seven grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, and many dear friends in California, Idaho and Oregon.
Services were held in Bend, Ore., on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014. Baird Funeral Home of Bend, Ore., is honored to serve the family. Donations may be made to the Sierra Club Idaho Chapter in John’s memory.
The family would like to thank the Wood River Valley community for all the support and care you gave to our parents over the years.
m.
