Ross Leslie Warner

Jun 7, 1931 -

Sep 11, 2023

Ross Warner of Anchorage, Alaska, died in his home surrounded by his family on Sept. 11, 2023. He was 92 years old.

He was born on June 7, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Cleona and Walter Warner.

Raised in Duluth, Minn., he graduated from Central High School, class of 1949. He received a B.S. degree in physics and mathematics from Gustavus Adolphus College and married Elaine Winquist in 1953. After serving in the Marine Corps, Ross spent 12 years with Schlumberger Inc., in several capacities in the Rocky Mountain region. He moved to Alaska in 1969 and, in 1978, began working for British Petroleum Alaska. He retired from BP as Well Interventions Team Leader and continued working with Petrotechnical Resources of Alaska as a contractor for BP after taking time off for a bucket list ski trip through Canada. He left the industry at age 83.

Ross married Margorie on Dec. 21, 2006. Together they skied at Alyeska, Arctic Valley and Steamboat Springs with family and friends. Skiing was Ross's great passion, but he also enjoyed fishing at the Seward Silver Salmon Derby with Bill Bixby, travel to Christmas Island for bonefish with the Maskers and non-stop gambling with Jeannine Miller and family. He skied until age 87; in his 70s he was playing basketball against 30-year-olds!

Predeceased by his parents, Cleona and Walter; first wife, Elaine; and sister, Jeannine Miller, Ross is survived by his wife, Margorie Keene; son, Dwight (Victoria); daughter, Anne; stepson, Tyler Keene (Andrea); stepson, Justin Keene (Dana); grandson, Scott (Jordan); granddaughter, Tiffany Warner; and six great-grandchildren, with the seventh due in October 2023.

A natural leader, Ross was a man of dignity, intelligence, energy and wide-ranging interests. He inspired respect and loyalty among those he encountered throughout his long career. His impact on the lives and careers of those he supervised and mentored in the petroleum industry will be felt for years to come.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, at Central Lutheran Church, 1420 Cordova Street in Anchorage. Live streaming will be available at centluth.org - click on "Worship with us from Home" and a picture of Ross will have the link. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Arctic Valley Ski Area online at arcticvalley.org or by check to Anchorage Ski Club, P.O. Box 200546, Anchorage, AK 99520.

Arrangements were handled by Witzleben Legacy Funeral Homes.