Thank you for letting us know how the service went and also for attending.  I think it is really nice that people from our community attended.  There is no doubt in my mind that it meant a lot to Ross's family.

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Greg Keelor met Jim Cuddy and then I met you people. Serendipity is a marvellous thing.


"I guess I don't know if I believe in God but
I know a song can make you feel good once
in a while." ~Greg Keelor~

It was very nice that some of our board members could attend. It would have meant the world to Ross.  I still feel terrible that I couldn't make it as much as I wanted to but circumstances here didn't allow me to I'm still thinking about his family, his friends and his loved ones that he left behind, its not easy saying bye---especially once it's quiet and things have settled down, that's when MORE thinking begins. So, it was nice that the community showed support and thanks to you four, Ross' family knows that we are and will be thinking of him.

Hi Folks... I'm glad I was able to go and I don't have much more to add about the ceremony, Carol's and Ann's posts pretty much covered it.  His mom did seem very touched though that some of Ross's Internet friends were there, and when we said that more would've liked to attend but couldn't, she was very understanding.

As sad as Ross's passing is, it is truly heart-warming to see us all come together and grieve over the loss of a friend.  We are a community, and always will be.

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The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.

As HS put it: "Thank you for letting us know how the service went and also for attending.  I think it is really nice that people from our community attended.  There is no doubt in my mind that it meant a lot to Ross's family." I couldn't say it any better.

As the band began their encore songs at last night's show, my heart started to get heavy. Thinking of those we've recently lost and others who have gained so much from this community. The testimony to that is weaved in every thread on this board, regardless the topic. I don't read them all but those that I do, have often made me laugh to cry at times.....thank you. My ribs thank you too!

Again, thank you to those who were able to be there, for the rest of us who were there in spirit.

W&T

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Just a little of that Human Touch - Bruce Springsteen

thanks for the posts, everyone. I so wish I could have been there - I tried, but I just couldn't get away.  I'm missing Ross a lot.

 

 

 

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I been gone from the board for some time now, but find that I'm always informed when the important things happen around here.

I'd like to say, that try as I might, I just couldn't get to the memorial service on time. Traffic was horrendous! Once there, I waited outside since I was just too late to enter. But I did get to meet a few folks afterwards.

It was nice to see you again Ann, and to finally meet Therese. Plus going to Richmond Hill with Carol...thanks for riding shotgun.

Well today has been a quiet one of reflection. Walking in a blizzard for an hour is really very therapeutic.  Really.

Afew words about Ross...
 
Ross' death came as no surprise to me....at first. It takes time to sink in it seems. I've been friends with him for 3 1/2 years, and over that time I grew to know a person who was always dealing with ongoing illness. Although, I must say that on Dec. the 8th, he neglected to mention that he was in critical condition. He was a proud man who always kept a chin up, regardless of how crappy his body was treating him. He'd tell ya he was feeling lousy sometimes, and you'd think he was joking about some of it. How could he always be sick? Why couldn't he get a proper diagnosis's? these questions would baffle me. But then I came to realize that his medications were causing a ton of side effects. That he was an ill man. 

I say he really was a great person to have on my team, especially when I was ill 3 years ago. In bed for 6 months, with only a computer and a phone. He "pulled me through"!  Three other members from this board, where also there cheering me on to a full recovery. This is just what Blue Rodeo's music and the journey has done to us. It's made this small community, a caring one. It truly has heart and soul. Bluebird is a fine example of the support seen here.

I was honored to have Ross as a friend. So many of you have said it somewhere on this thread. He will live with us here on the board and with each of us away from here. Many times we will hear music...prolly Blue Rodeo...then smile...for one of  the guys that pulled us all together.

Ross joined this board in April of 2004. I 'll never forget reading one of his first posts. He was welcoming someone onto the board. He told them..." This is one place where you can feel free to speak from the heart, because after all...that's where all the best stuff comes from". This was Ross to a T. He had a wonderful sense of humor... even at the worst of times, a gentle sensitive soul and a kind heart. He was a true friend.

I'm still very touched by how this family opened their hearts to Ross' friends.  Meeting Ross' Mom and children  was very special for me. Seeing Justin and Jesse attending to their Grandma, was a site I'll never forget. I felt a certain pride for Ross as their parent. I too feel their loss.  Ross' cousin Carol and her family I would like to thank again, for their hospitality and kindness.

I'd like to thank Carol K for being strong yesterday, it helped me to stay focussed...(I had my breakdown on the 401)    . Getting to hang out again was great. We actually got to talk Blue Rodeo.  What a fantastic note to end Mr. Bluetunes' Celebration of Life on!

 
Cheers Ross 
 

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

Willie P. Bennett

Jainy, You captured the essence of the wonderful person Ross was. Thank-you for sharing.

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Compassion is Love in action.

I haven't been on the board lately as work has really gotten very busy.  Bruce called me the other day to let me know that Ross had moved to a better place.  I was greatly sadden by this news.

Ross was an incredible person who I was blessed to have known in person.  We shared many deeply personal stories about our pasts over the years.  He was always a person to look at the bigger picture, to see the happier side of things, and to find meaning when all meaning seem lost.  His illness prevented several outings over the years but he was never negative about missing them rather he wanted to know how the evening had went. 

Without a doubt his first love of his life was his boys.  He talked about them often and with a proudness only a parent can understand.  My prayers to his boys now more than ever.

This world has lost an incredible person and nothing will be quite the same without him.  Rest in peace.

Nicky

Amen!

I have not been on here for some time because my dad passed away on the same day as Ross. I had to travel to Miramichi to be with my family during that week. In fact, my dad's funeral was on the same day as Ross' as well. I must say that I was very shocked to read this thread over the past 10 minutes or so.

Rest in peace, Ross. You will be missed.
 

Greg, Please except my sincere condolences in the passing of your dear dad. Hearing about Ross at this time would be a complete shock I'm sure. May the memories you shared with your dad and family, carry you through this difficult time. I'm thinking of you and sending you strength. God bless.

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

Willie P. Bennett

I'm so sorry to hear about your father Greg.  My deepest sympathies. 

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

Please accept my sincere condolences, Greg. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

Thanks everyone. I didn't mention that to deflect attention from Ross. I was just struck by how it happened at the same time and the news came out of the blue for me. They will both be missed for sure.

I was doing a cleanup on facebook, and there was a note sent Oct 22 from Ross which included a blue rose.  I am sure others received one at the same time, however, it is a reminder to me that mrbluetunes lives on in his two sons that he adored.

 

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Compassion is Love in action.