Frederic Eugene Ross

Frederic Eugene Ross died at his home in Palm Springs in the early morning hours of Friday, December 17, 2021. His husband of 42 years, Gary Edwards Hiatt, was by his side. The cause of death was cardiac arrest following a brief illness. Fred was born in Portland, Oregon, on May 29, 1949, to Helen L. Ross and Kenneth E. Ross, each of whom preceded Fred in death. In addition to Gary, Fred is survived by his sister, Melinda Ross Mercer and her husband, James Mercer of Lake Oswego, Oregon. He is also survived by two nephews, Jeff Mercer of Portland, Oregon and Mark Mercer (Katey) of Bend, Oregon. Additionally, Mark and Katey blessed Fred with a great-niece, Bailey, and great-nephew, Daniel. We would be amiss not to note that Fred is also survived by many beloved cousins in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, as well as friends with whom he was so close that they are “family.” And not to be left out are his two big American shorthair cats, Clay and Marshall, who used to trail him throughout the house.

A 1971 graduate of Oregon State University with a BS in Business Administration, Fred worked for 35 years in banking, starting with First National Bank of Oregon in Portland. It was in Portland where Fred met Gary when, early in their careers, they had been loaned by their employers to work on the Fall, 1979, United Way campaign. Their spark was immediate, and they spent their years side-by-side. Career moves took them from Portland to San Francisco, and after retirement for each, they moved permanently to their home in Palm Springs. Everyone knew Fred to be a genuinely happy person. His mother used to remark that Fred found joy around every corner. He loved to cook, and the Fred and Gary homes were frequently filled with laughing guests who enjoyed Fred’s company as well as his cooking (and Gary’s wine). He liked to garden, travel, appreciated theatre, loved cinema, and good music. He absolutely loved his 1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III, which he endeavored to drive around town weekly, frequently on Saturday mornings to the Farmers’ Market. He enjoyed the way it often generated questions and comments, allowing him to make new acquaintances. Fred often said that every time he took the car on a drive, it was like being in a one-car parade! He also had a special fondness for England and Scotland where he and Gary spent much time, and where many dear friends remain. He was always a brave driver on the “wrong” side of the road.

A life-long Episcopalian, Fred became a member of the Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs after transferring from Trinity in San Francisco. At St. Paul’s he took it upon himself to develop a Parish Life team, mostly to create even more opportunities to cook, share, and minister to people during rotating dinners in parishioners’ homes. He considered himself to be the recipient of many blessings in life, and supported several philanthropic organizations in the Desert. Among his most favored organizations were the FIND Food Bank, The LGBT Center of The Desert (particularly its Behavioral Health Clinic), The American Cancer Society, and The Alzheimer’s Foundation. We’re sure Fred would be most appreciative of your contributions to any of these organizations in lieu of flowers.

Memorial services are pending, but will be held in late January at The Episcopal Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs.