Ross Warren Mast

Ross (Captain) Warren Mast of Grand Rapids, MI passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 17, 2018 surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer. Ross was a loving father, husband, brother, Christian and friend who will be missed dearly.

Ross was born Feb 7, 1946 to Lois and Carl Mast in Fremont, MI. Ross spent his early years in White Cloud, MI on the Mast Family Dairy causing plenty of trouble alongside his three brothers; Lynwood, Terry and Randy. He was a proud White Cloud High School Indian and went on to graduate from  Michigan State University remaining a lifelong fan. He carried friendships with his classmates until the end of his life. In 1968, Ross enlisted in the US Navy, spent many years in the reserves and retired as Captain 30 years later. In 1969 he married Martha in Pensacola, FL and they had two children, while stationed in Quantico, VA. He laid his long time roots in Dallas, Texas.  There, he enjoyed a long career as a packaging engineer allowing him to start two well respected companies, Cape and Sarbrook. He later spent time living in Chicago and eventually returned to his family and roots in Michigan. While in retirement, Ross founded the Susan Mast ALS Foundation and volunteered his time passionately to make this organization a true place of support in our community. He equally enjoyed volunteering his time and talents with Holy Cross and St. Andrews Episcopal churches.

While he loved his work, Ross left plenty of time for fun and those he loved. He enjoyed going to his grandkids’ sporting events and of course watching MSU. He loved golf and beating anyone willing to wager a bet against him. Ross loved any opportunity to throw a party and many have attended one of his famous 3B parties for beer, bocce and barbeque. He had a loud laugh that could carry a room with a strong elbow to poke you in the side. He found pleasure in adopting socially challenged dogs. If you ever visited his home, you were forever greeted by a pack of insane dogs. RIP, Izzy, Alex, King, Whiskey, Gimlet, Harry, Eddie, Freddie, Teddy, Betty, Loner, Maggie and Pixie. Monty, may your days chasing shadows be plenty more. Be kind to Pam.

While he played hard, he loved harder. He was such a fun father to his two daughters, awesome grandpa, and loving husband. He had the honor being married to his wife of 25 years, Susan, until her passing in 2014. He was fortunate enough to find love again and was married to his wife Pam in 2017. Sadly, their time together was cut short, but their memories together were many.

Ross is survived by his wife Pam Almy-Mast, two daughters; Sarah (Chris) Cullum, Brooke (John) Van Prooyen, grandchildren; Jeffrey, Rylee, Logan, Maddie, Jack, Charlie, Ben, step grandchildren Jack, Emma, and Anna, Katie, and Mitchell (Sydney) Lear, stepchildren Jennifer (Kathi Lear) Palmbos, Brock and Bradley Palmbos, three brothers: Lynwood (Janet), Terry (Sandy), Randy (Jan), 12 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews, 2 great-grandchildren and dear friends to whom he adored. He is proceeded in death by his parents Carl and Lois Mast, late wife Susan Mast and nephew Robert Brown.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 27 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1025 3 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 with a celebration to directly follow at 1000 Oaks Golf Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be made to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation, 2500 Waldorff Ct NW B, Walker, MI 49544 or St. Andrews Episcopal Church’s IHN/Family Promise program.

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