Ross never met a stranger.  I loved how he interacted with kids dropping down on the floor meeting at their level.  He was funny and kind and always his own dude! He will be missed around Mt. Angel!

I lived next door to him for 15 years and he was one person I am so glad to know he did have a little temper at times he would go through the apartment opening and no not closing doors slamming them but all I had to do was knock on his door and ask him if he was okay and just talked to him for a little while and he would calm down right away he loved everyone and would love talking with anyone he would always talk about his kung-fu and sometimes show you and his strength 💪 for being so small was amazing I could go on for ever he was just a wonderful guy it was really sad hereing he passed away he was very loved by so many people I will really miss him I didn't move far only across the parking lot so I still got to see him just about every day. My thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you all love ya Roxanne Berlandi 🙏💪🦋😘🙏

I wish i had known you better.  You were a good neighbor.  I'll never forget your endless chatter and inquisitive nature.  You were never afraid to reach out and ask for help. I don't know how many Mountain Dews I opened for you.  RIP dear neighbor and friend.

Thank you Ross for your strength, passion, and tireless work to advocate for others. I’m grateful to have gotten to talk with you and spend times at many tables together across Oregon. You never shied away from saying hard things, no matter who was listening. I admire you for speaking truth to power, challenging the status quo and dynamics, and for being unapologetically genuine every time I saw you. You will be so missed. 

I feel so proud and lucky to have known you and call you my friend. I will miss you. 

— with Gabby, Carrie, Ross, Kaaren and Jaime

Ross, you were so funny. You made all of us laugh. Your work for those with intellectual disabilities and your advocacy will never be forgotten. You inspired me.

Ross helped change the lives of the next generation of people with disabilities .That is a great legacy .I met Ross at significant advocacy moments and am grateful for the work and passion that he shared .

One of my Partners in Policy Making Alumni. So sad to hear this news. Ross you taught me so much. Thank you for all your amazing advocacy work over the years you have been tenacious and a voice to be reconed with. Thank you. Jenny Cavarno 

Hello I’m Julia his dsp worker for Monday and Saturday, I’ve only worked with Ross since October of last year but we were close he knew about my personal life and always asked questions about how I’m doing or what’s been happening even when I was out sick and couldn’t work with him a day he called me to check on me and see how I was doing Ross was such a loving guy and it literally broke my heart finding out about this I will miss him dearly. It’s crazy last Monday was the last time I ever get to work with him again I wish I knew that so I told him how much he is loved. I’m going to miss how he answers the phone saying “weasel incorporated” or he talked about being a weasel in general or would say “bad hand” and act like his hand was a dog as well as just pulling up to his house to pick him up for work and seeing him digging his hole “to china”. We had a lot of fun memories together and he always made me smile and laugh. Thanks for being such a bright and shining person in our life and making the world a better place Ross may you rest in peace

Last year, like clockwork, I would drop my daughter at school in Silverton and then drive back to Mt. Angel to drop my son off at school.  It was our great joy seeing Ross dancing away by the coffee shop each morning.  This year I didn't get to take my son to school in the morning and we missed our Ross sightings.  I am so sad that a joyful part of our town - who brought smiles every day - has left us too soon.  

He will truly be missed. Rest peacefully Ross! ❤️

So sorry for everyone who knew Ross. He was so friendly. 

Ross was a huge part of our Special Olympics Family and we are devastated to hear about his passing.  He was loved by us all and will be missed by so many.  

Oh Ross, how my heart aches to lose such a wonderful kind person and friend, and one  the fiercest advocates I have ever had the pleasure to know. I have worked along side you, laughed with you and learned so very much from you, my friend and colleague. You, your presence, your advocacy, your laugh, will be greatly missed ❤️

Ross was great person. I going to miss him

I was so sorry to hear about Ross's passing. He was such a  great self advocate and a wonderful person.

Ross leading the pledge