Hampden, Maine - Bruce Ross passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 80.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil Ross and Esther Ross. He is survived by his wife, Astrid; and his brothers, Larry and Murray.

Bruce was born in 1945 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents as a child. He grew up in Rochester, New York. He was a true renaissance man having acquired a P.h.D in humanities, teaching English and various other subjects, but he also was a well-known haiku poet, past president of the Haiku Society of America; he was very involved in animal rights and ethical veganism, among others. He loved to travel and enjoyed nature, art, and music. He spent the latter part of his life in Maine, where he moved with his wife in 2002 and where he found much inspiration. He has inspired many, holding himself and others to a high standard in a gentle, kind way. He will be missed by his family and around the world.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Britton Road Cemetery, 188 Britton Rd., Rochester, NY. Donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders in Bruce's memory. Condolences to the family maybe expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.