Obituary of Ross Crain

December 23, 1940 – Ottawa, Ontario

March 21, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eric Ross Crain, lovingly known as Ross. Ross passed away peacefully with family by his side at his home in Calgary, AB. Ross was a man who lived a great adventure. He had three main passions – his work, his ranch, and trains.  

Ross grew up in Montreal, and after graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree from McGill University in 1962, he departed for the West. This set forth a career spanning over sixty years, specializing in the science and application of Integrated Petrophysics. From the beginning of his career starting with Schlumberger with experience with Pan-Arctic, J.C. Sproule, and others, he built up his own company with innovative ground-breaking well log analysis and reservoir evaluation systems using microcomputers. He taught more than 3000 students, worked globally, and his legacy will carry on by providing accessible information globally through his website, which was developed throughout his career.

Ross’s work gained many accolades, but one that was very near and dear to him was the acknowledgment in 2019 for his contributions to the geoscience community, and was awarded the first Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Well Logging Society (CWLS).

While his career was in oil and gas, Ross was always happiest at his off-grid home and Hereford cattle ranch that he built from the ground up. In 1976 Ross saw the land, felt the love, and spent the next few years building on a full quarter section in west-central AB, where he would spend the next 40 years. Here he had a fulfilling ranch life that brought him joy, peace, and surely heartache at times when his beloved furry friends would come and go. Nonetheless, everyone in the area knew of Ross and the ‘Old Crain’s Place’, which is probably how it’s still known to this day.

The ranch didn’t just house cattle, it was also a haven for any train lover or someone wanting to learn more about them. It was always amazing to see the hand-built sections of laid track, his favourite trains, and the landscape he created to make yet another playground at the ranch to spend many hours building and enjoying.

Ross was predeceased by his father Hiram “Hammy” Abiff Crain III and his mother Marguerite Josephine (Rolland) Crain.

He is survived by his younger brother Ian Crain and his wife Gwynneth Martin (Ottawa), nephew Shaun Crain and his wife Leontine Crain, their daughters, Melinda and Tegan (Canberra, Australia); and Ross’ stepdaughter, Kirsten McEwing, and her spouse Duane Jacka (Calgary).

When we envision Ross in his passing, we like to believe he will be in nature surrounded by his Great Pyrenees dogs, his Red Point Siamese cats, and looking back on a life well lived. Ross will be missed by many.

For those of you who would like to read the full story of 83 years of adventures, work, trains, and critters, you can visit his website where the stories and images of his years are archived. Grab a rum and coke, have a toast to Ross, and revisit the stories at www.ross-crain.com.

At Ross’ request, no service will be held.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ross’ family here.

In living memory of Ross Crain, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.