November 15, 1938 - January 22, 2021
Lance Joseph Rossington, was an educator, hobby farmer, community volunteer, part time fisherman, wood turner and full time exceptional human being.
He passed away on Friday, January 22, 2021 after suffering two strokes in 6 weeks. Lance is survived by his wife, Sandra, daughter Lisa (Rob), sons Brent (Carson), Brad (Alannah) and brother Wayne Rossington (Gail) and their sons Jason and Devon and so many friends.
He was born November 15, 1938 to parents Valerie and George Rossington in Biggar, Saskatchewan. Lance spent his early years in Biggar, then moved to Victoria for grade school. Scouting and sports occupied most of his young life, and kept him out of trouble.
He was an avid athlete, outdoorsman & volunteer. He joined the RCAF Cadets at UBC and graduated with his teaching degree in 1964. He began teaching in North Vancouver at Sutherland Secondary School. In the early 70's, Lance and his family moved to a 5-acre plot of land in Maple Ridge, where they would try his version of homesteading, (a life-long passion for Lance).
Lance and best friend Wally Irwin built the family home. He & Sandra planted a huge garden and the fields were filled with various farm animals, including Lance's favourite, a dairy cow he named "Bossy". All in a naive attempt at "moonlighting" as a hobby farmer.
He was hired by District 42 in 1973, to teach at the new Westview Junior Secondary. In his spare time, he was an enthusiastic coach; volleyball, basketball, track field, working to get the kids in shape Lance's kind manner and passion for kids was paramount. He eventually became Vice Principal.
Lance's new role as Vice Principal subjected him to spray-painted vehicles, fish fertilizer in his office, dented hoods etc. Perhaps the most endearing of legacy was Lance's nickname, "Rosco". "Here comes Rosco!" echoed from park bushes across the street from Westview, as Lance went to "collect" the smokers for class, attempting to steer them on a better path!
Lance & Wally started "R & I Construction" doing renos in the summer months. He and Sandra bought a small "fixer-upper" cabin at Sheridan Lake it was here Lance added yet another arrow to his quiver-- fly-fishing.
Coincidently, Lance's draw to the water was directly correlated to the length of the "Honey-do list" around the cabin. Lance retired from teaching in 1993 and "Hobby Farming" the year after, taking up fishing and wood turning full time. He perfected his craft and wooden bowls in no time, joining both Vancouver and Fraser Valley Wood Turners Guild's. He sold his work at Fraser Valley craft fairs, local recreation centers, wherever he could get a table, donating the money to the BC Lung Association.
Lance absolutely loved volunteering or giving back to the community of Maple Ridge. Whether it was the Food Bank, Cythera House, Trek for Life, or his church, he was always lending a hand to anyone who needed help. Lance touched so many lives. He will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness and gentleness. He was a true GENTLEMAN.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you donate to Covenant House, Cythera Transition House or McKenney Creek Hospice in Maple Ridge. When it's appropriate to do so, the family will have a memorial to Lance.