Just to let everyone know, I now have the information for Ross' memorial service, if anyone wishes to attend, or forward condolences.

It will be held this Thursday.  I am not posting all the details on the board, but you may send me, or Lori (Bluegirl) an e-mail for the details.  I will be checking the board e-mail as often as I can over the next 24 hours!

Ross' family are requesting photos from his friends.  If any of you happen to have one of Ross' taken at a Blue Rodeo concert, that would be totally awesome!  They need any photos forwarded ASAP, so if you think you might have one, please check today.  Lori, or myself can provide the e-mail address to forward them to.

Carol

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I carry with me the memory of a field I once knew, of a night so full of stars that I was left humbled by it's endless beauty. I know that whatever the cost, life is worth living. So bring it on...I can take it.

For those attending the memorial service for Ross on Thursday, there will be a reception following.  It will be in Richmond Hill, at the home of his cousin.  The address and a map will be available at the service.

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I carry with me the memory of a field I once knew, of a night so full of stars that I was left humbled by it's endless beauty. I know that whatever the cost, life is worth living. So bring it on...I can take it.

Goodbye Ross

RIP- God Bless

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"Dogs Have Masters...Cats Have Staff"

I'm truly at a loss for words. God bless you my friend.

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LOVE AIN'T HARD...LOVE IS CERTAIN!
EITHER YOU'RE HIGH, OR YOU'RE HURTIN'

Willie P. Bennett

RIP Ross. very very sad.   Brian

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Go out and see live music

Today is a sad day. Saying goodbye is never easy. I believe that those we love and those who have touched our lives, live on in our hearts. This has been a week of sad goodbye's for me. People I cared about have left this earth and moved on. They all will live on through those who love them. May they all be at peace, no more pain or sorrow.

Ross will live on through his boys. May his strength and deep love for them comfort them.

Some lives are like a song-

every note rare and precious.

We were lucky to have heard the music.

As mentioned on another thread, tonight's show will be different. Really looking forward to the show and meeting others there but today, of all days, makes it difficult to be so excited.

Ross, Leigh (& her sister Patty) will be with us at the show tonight.

W&T

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Just a little of that Human Touch - Bruce Springsteen

I wish I could make the funeral today. I have not stopped thinking of Ross and what his kids must be going through right now.  My thoughts and prayers are with them all and if there was any way I could have made it today, believe me, I would. My heart just feels so heavy

I wished I could have made it today as well...unfortunately, I had a doctor's appointment today (in regards to my ongoing struggles with depression) so I couldn't make it today.

After my appointment, I went to the mall and as I browsed in HMV, I noticed the "Juno" soundtrack was on sale for $11.99 or 2 for $20. So as I looked around for another cd with the 2 for $20 label on it, one in particular jumped out at me - The Band "Greatest Hits" - for some reason, it made me think of Ross, so I picked it up, and as I listen to "The Weight", I remember the happier times and say a prayer for Jesse and Justin.

Rest in peace, Ross.

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~ ...and all the demons are saints, and the saints I'll never trust...~ Blue Rodeo - "Graveyard"

~...Had a dream where everybody looked like someone else, and the farthest I could get from was the closest to myself...~ Men Without Hats - "Sideways"

Hello everyone 

I returned from Ross' memorial service and reception not long ago. 

It started with the sweet sounds of the band we all know and love playing softly in the background, as people arrived at the chapel.  A photo display showing Ross and his family immediately brought me to tears. The service itself was brief, and very touching.  His cousin Carol read a lovely message written by Ross before his death, for his friends and family.

It was very nice to see Therese and Ann at the ceremony as well.  The three of us spoke afterward with Ross' family, and let them know how we felt about Ross, and how the music of Blue Rodeo brought us all together.  I believe that they were very pleased to hear that Ross was so well thought of here in our Blue Rodeo community.

Jainy was delayed in traffic and did not get a chance to be there for the memorial service.  She and I went to the reception afterward though. There Jainy played a really beautiful song she composed for Ross, on a gorgeous wooden flute, custom made by a Meti craftsman. I could tell that his family was very touched by the music, as was I.

Goodbye, Mr. Bluetunes.  You will not be forgotten by those of us who got a chance to know you, and experience your kindness first hand. 

Carol

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I carry with me the memory of a field I once knew, of a night so full of stars that I was left humbled by it's endless beauty. I know that whatever the cost, life is worth living. So bring it on...I can take it.

Thanks for sharing that with us Carol.  It sounds like it was a beautiful service.  I still can't believe he's really gone.  It's just so surreal.  I'm glad that some of you from this community were able to go to the funeral.  I'm sure it meant a lot to Ross's family. 

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"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good...
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

It was a very dignified and touching memorial for Ross today.  Ross' family was very gracious with us, his BR friends and compatriots.  I was honoured to meet them although the circumstances were so sad. 

 Among his many positive traits, I'll miss Ross' musical references and colourful posts, his chivalrous tone and his kind-heartedness and I know that many other people on the board feel the same way. He really was a positive and popular contributor here in this community.  I was glad to see Carol, Therese and Jainy at the service - I know we are just a few from a very widespread and large group of people who knew and admired our Mr. Bluetunes.

On my drive down I thought of Ross many times as the radio played one great song after another that I know he would have loved from Neil Young's Walk On to the Allman Brothers' Jessica.  I kept thinking that they would have to play a Blue Rodeo song soon (I didn't hear a BR song although there were numerous references to tomorrow night's show in Barrie).  I'll be thinking of Ross tomorrow night at the show. 

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"Over straight and crooked miles
Falling out of favour or embraced
Wondering where was love...
It hadn't happened yet"
~Ron Sexsmith~

Nearest to all things
Patiently waiting
So let the angels sing
Silently weeping

I'm really sorry that I couldn't be at the service today and if I was feeling better (I have pneumonia right now), I may have taken the train to attend... I do want to express how proud and grateful I am that at least a few of his friends from our little community were able to be there today to celebrate Ross's life. Thank you... I'm sure his family members were touched beyond belief.

CarolK & Ann thank-you for letting us know how the service went. Carol, Ann, Therese & Jainy thank-you,  I'm glad that there were some BR.com fans there, Ross spent some good times here.

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"How the best things are won with sacrifice"

Sorry you couldn't make it to the service, BED. Your post was very touching. It was nice that a few of the board members could make it to the service to let his family know how well thought of Ross was in the community. I'm sure it meant a lot to them. Thanks for letting us know about the service, Carol. I was just listening to "Sweet Home Alabama" and thought of Ross. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his boys. It's hard for kids to accept these kind of things. I know because I lost my dad at a very young age. Every moment you had with your dad suddenly becomes very special. It's heartwarming to read all the remembrances of Ross here.

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"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."