Sy (Seymour) Ross
Sy (Seymour) Ross passed away in Ottawa, Canada, on March 23 at the age of 84, following a brief illness.
Born on December 6, 1940, Sy grew up on Mount Pleasant Road in Toronto, above his father’s small clothing shop. He earned a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and played a pivotal role in developing Canada’s marine oil spill response system in the late 1970s. He later founded SL Ross Environmental Research, his own environmental consulting company.
A world-renowned expert in Arctic spill protection, Sy never spoke of his professional achievements. Instead, he preferred to discuss his love of art, his extensive musical tastes, and his enjoyment of watching hockey and tennis.
Sy was deeply devoted to his wife of 30 years, Helen Trevor Thomas, as well as his children and grandchildren. He cherished his time as a seasonal resident at Lakeside for many years.
In 2009, Sy and Helen bought Casa Ross in San Antonio Tlayacapan, where they met their dear friends and neighbors, Roman and Libby Monroy. They took great pleasure in renovating the house and its garden, sharing the tranquility of their home with friends.
An avid tennis player for most of his life, Sy enjoyed several years participating in the active tennis community in Chapala and the surrounding area. He was a beloved member of a lakeside men’s lunch group and always looked forward to planning trips across Mexico with family and friends from around the world.
Sy’s friends would attest that he was always up for a get-together, and his comedic timing was legendary. Family was everything to him, and Sy and Helen made a point of visiting dozens of relatives during their time away from Casa Ross. Every other year, Sy rented a beach house so his children and grandchildren could join him and share in his love of Mexico.
If you visited Sy, he’d tell you about the special meal he was planning in your honor, and you’d later receive a note expressing how wonderful it was to see you. For those unable to visit in person, Sy regularly sent affectionate notes, remembering your interests and always offering a bit of news or encouragement.
With Sy’s passing, the world has lost warmth, kindness, laughter and humor. He was a gentle soul who lived by avoiding harsh words about others.
Sy leaves behind his beloved wife Helen, a son, three daughters, a stepson, and seven grandchildren, ranging in age from six months to 19 years, as well as countless other family members and friends who adored him.
Howard Pressman
Howard Pressman passed away at the San Antonio Hospital on March 27, 2025, at the age of 73, succumbing to heart failure.
Born in the Bronx, New York, on February 15, 1952, to Helen and Julius Pressman, Howard developed a lifelong passion for the New York Yankees. As a boy, he was thrilled to receive a signed baseball from his hero, Mickey Mantle, and even had the chance to watch Mantle play at Yankee Stadium. Howard had one older sister, Sheryl, who predeceased him several years ago.
Howard spent much of his career in the garment industry, working as a button salesman. After his first marriage ended in divorce, Howard retired and moved to the Lakeside area approximately seven years ago. He initially lived at Namaste Village in Ajijic before settling in Chapala.
In March 2020, Howard met Teresita Rizo, a personal assistant to a golf club director, at a local restaurant. The couple married in Chapala on May 4, 2023. They enjoyed dancing together and taking walks along the Chapala Malecon. Teresita played a vital role in caring for Howard during a critical battle with COVID-19, which left him seriously ill. He often credited her with saving his life.
Howard lived life with exuberance. He was a regular at the Tuesday Organic Market in West Ajijic, where he would often attract attention with his enthusiastic, high-pitched hoots and hollers, waving his walking cane in the air and dancing to the music played by local artists. Though sometimes irreverent and playful, Howard was also known for his sensitivity and caring nature, always willing to lend a listening ear to those in need. His generosity and thoughtfulness touched many lives.
Known for his one-of-a-kind personality, Howard brought joy and laughter to his friends, though occasionally provoking groans of dismay with his antics. His presence was always unforgettable.
In the months leading up to his passing, Howard’s health began to decline. Teresita was by his side, caring for him during several difficult episodes. Ultimately, his heart gave way, and he passed away following a cardiac arrest.
A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at Namaste Village (Angel Flores 5, Ajijic) on Saturday, April 19, at noon. Friends are welcome to attend and are encouraged, though not required, to bring finger foods or beverages to share following the service.