Norbert Ross

The sudden loss of our beloved Norbert Ross was called home by the Creator, his job here on earth was done. On September 12, 2025, at 12:25 am at age 78 years young. He suffered from a vehicle accident and the extensive injuries he succumbed to.

Norbert will be missed dearly by his loving wife of 56 years, Claire Ross (Nepinak) and their 3 sons, Joe, Wilson, and Tim; also, their grandsons Jake Ross and Haven Belhumer; his brothers-in-law Johnny Brass, William Ledoux, Albert Nepinak; sisters-in-law Charlotte Roulette (Nepinak), Nancy McKay (Nepinak), Sally Nepinak (Moreu); Odoshiman Dale and Cindy Brass (Thompson); Lloyd and Buffy Brass (Vancouver); Blake and Tracey Brass (Fishing Lake); Shawn Brass (Pine Creek); Charmaine Nepinak (Yorkton) Louann, Nevin (Yorkton); Ernest Chooney McKay and Elma (Winnipeg); June and Marcel (Pine Creek); EllaMay and Chris (Skownan); Debbie Hildabrand (Wpgosis); Lori and Ozzie (Pine Creek); Lorenda and Jonathan (Winnipeg) Kobi; Neelin; Phoenix; Tristan; Austin, Ciara (Winnipeg); Georgina McKay (Nepinak) Pine Creek. As well as numerous nephews too many to name.

Norbert was the last member from his biological parents, the Late Sarah and Leo Ross, and predeceased brother, Late, Francis Wilson Ross, A.K.A. “Windigo”, and his 2 adopted sisters and brothers along with numerous children that his parents took in as their own throughout the years. His birthplace was in Norway House, Manitoba, but he grew up in Cross Lake, they were raised in a beautiful island in Cross Lake and that is where his Memorial will be held next year for the ones that could not make it to the Winnipeg Celebration of Life Service.

Predeceased by his in-laws “Oshishayan”, Joe-James Nepinak & “Oshigoson” Rose-Adele Nepinak (Chartrand).

Predeceased by his brothers-in-law “Wiitan” Walter Tex Nepinak; John Roulette; George Nepinak (Boisvert); and Ernest McKay Sr.

Sisters-in-law, “Winimoon” Josephine Nepinak (Chartrand); Edna Chartrand (Nepinak); Bernie Nepinak; and Louse Brass (Nepinak).

Neice “Odoshimikwemon” Donna Houle (Chartrand).

Nephews “Odoshimon” Carry Nepinak; Clayton Nepinak; Ricky Nepinak; and Billy Nepinak.

Norberts Best Friend, Late, Albert McKay A.K.A. “Cinch.”

Norbert was a residential school survivor and was also a Pipe Carrier, he loved the Traditional Culture way of life and always respected the animals.

Norbert was a great provider and hunter, he also protected the animals by relocating them if the population was too high and he worked with Wildlife Management, he was pretty vocal in advocating for the wildlife and the environment.

Norbert loved the outdoors, fishing, quadding, skidooing, and snowshoeing. One of his favorites was when he had his Dog Sled Team.

Norbert was a long-distance runner in his younger days, he used to run/jog from Pine Creek to Cowan, Manitoba. He kept in shape throughout the years by walking and eating nutritional foods.

Norbert was a great Mentor to many young people, always encouraging them to stay in school, get their education, and be involved in various sport activities. He enjoyed reading and would spend hours at the library.

Norbert always spent time with the Elders, visiting them and listening to their stories and many of them have gone on to the Spirit World here in Pine Creek and also in Cross Lake, he would visit the Elders there too. He received a lot of great advice from them and would share it with the young people. He was a great public speaker!

Norbert had travelled overseas, and visited, and paid his respect to many Veteran Memorials as he comes from a family of World War I and II Veterans that he was related to and never made it back home.

Norbert attended the Assiniboine Residential School and had received a Counselling degree from the University of Manitoba. He also pursued professional coaching and specialized in Track and Field Training.

He then became an Education Counsellor for Pine Creek Education Authority for 26 years and also became a Nurse Aid at Health Sciences Centre.

Norbert loved to coach in Pine Creek First Nation, Swan Valley School Division, and Winnipeg School Division. He coached Football, Hockey, Soccer, and Track & Field.

Norbert also loved to volunteer at NAIG (North American Indigenous Games) and at the Winnipeg Sports Federation.

Officiating Traditional Ceremony: Morris Swan-Shannacappo

Celebration of Life Speakers: Ed Beauchamp and Sharon Ward.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Ross, Jake Ross, Luke Star, Ed Beauchamp, Walter Chartrand, Blake Brass, and Shawn Brass.

Celebration of Life will be held Thursday Oct. 2, 2025, from 7pm – 10pm, at Eternal Grace Funerals (10-1111 Logan Ave. Winnipeg Manitoba.)

Funeral Service will then follow on Friday Oct. 3, 2025, at 11am, also at Eternal Grace Funerals.

Cremation to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norbert Ross, please visit our floral store.