Obituary of Rossiter Baxter Cassell

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Rossiter Baxter Cassell announce his passing on January 3, 2026, at the age of 80 years at the Labrador West Health Center. Left to mourn with fond and loving memories are his wife Clara; children Jason (Angela), Stephen (Karie), Jeanette (Lloyd); step-daughter Kelly; grandchildren Seanna, Tyler, Jordan, Riley, Tristan, Cheyanne, Brittney, and Brendon; great-grandchildren Amelia, Olivia and Presley; sister Madeline; as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Ross was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Tryphenia Cassell, brothers Lester and Hubert; stepdaughter Theresa Downey; and grandson David Slade. In 1971 Ross decided to uproot his life in St. John’s, NL, and try his luck as a cook at a cafeteria in the great white north of Labrador City. Shortly after arriving he decided to become a miner and took a position as a drill operator with the Iron Ore Company of Canada. It wasn’t long in the frigid north before he and his young wife Linda decided to start a family. The first addition was Jason, their 5lb bag of sugar. Two years later Stephen arrived and then in 1977 Ross finally got his little girl, Jeanette. He spent the next number of years raising his family and being a great husband, dad, and role model. Tragically, in 2002 Ross lost his beloved wife to a short battle with Cancer, only months into his retirement from IOCC. But with every dark cloud there is a sliver lining. The silver lining came in the way of a lady named Clara. Her love and compassion pulled him out of the toughest time in his life. He found a purpose and love in life again. His kids are truly grateful for this and sincerely love her for being such an amazing partner to their dad. They have spent the last 20+ years building a beautiful life together. Anyone who knew Ross knew that he had a huge heart and had lots of love to share. You could see this every time he was around his grandchildren, Seanna, Tyler, Jordan, Riley, Tristan, Cheyanne, Brittney, and Brendon. He loved being a grandfather and even a great grandfather in the past year to Amelia, Olivia and Presley. Ross touched many people in his life and has left a huge void for those who loved him. Friends and family may visit from 7:00-9:00pm at Temple’s Funeral Home on Thursday, January 8th. Funeral Service to be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 9th, 2025, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church with Reverend Rowena Payne officiating. Interment will take place in the spring.