Ross established Gateway as Mississauga’s first reprographics firm in September of 1975 (even before Hazel was mayor!). After a 10-year career with Xerox of Canada selling and renting equipment, Ross decided to strike out on his own using the equipment that he was familiar with to launch his new venture.

New high-speed copy systems along with traditional blueprint technology allowed Gateway to be at the forefront of the instant print revolution. Over the years the equipment and the markets served changed. In addition to serving traditional architectural and engineering markets, the company pursued corporate clients such as Northern Telecom and Kinney Shoes.

The company evolved into a true family enterprise with his wife Eunice doing accounts and later on his sons David in sales and Brian in operations. Ross was a founding member of the ONAQP giving a voice and organization for small instant printers in an industry dominated by large commercial printers. He also had many interests outside of the industry including Rotary International (35 + years) and antique car restoration and collecting.

Ross retired from his front line duties in 2001 leaving the business in the hands of his two sons who continue to operate the business. Ross spent his later years in Grand Bend, Ontario, where he could be seen every summer evening watching the sun set over Lake Huron from the front seat of his 1953 Cadillac convertible with his beloved Springer Spaniel at his side.
 

McConnel was the beloved husband of the late Eunice Evelyn (1993) and the late Diane Jacqueline (2005). He was the loved father and father-in –law of David and Ann McConnell, Brian and Tina McConnell, Pamela McConnell and Colin Milroy. He was also the cherished grandfather of Laura, Rachel, Jennifer, Tyler and Ashley, and the great grandfather of Bennett.