Search by Name

Search by Name

Bob Ross Obituary

Bob Ross died in a plane crash Sept. 7, 2010, in Arkansas, along with his son, Michael Ross.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel from Sep. 8 to Sep. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Ross

Sponsored by The Ross Family.

Not sure what to say?





77 Entries

I worked with Bob at UAL, he was a fantastic man. My condolences.

Rudy Salmon

February 9, 2023

knew Bob for 5 years by way of being an airport bums "old lady". I was blessed to know him and will miss him dearly. I was so lucky to be able to hug him when I saw him last during Dill and Gabes memorial. I miss un see you again.

Rose W

March 12, 2011

I only recently learned of Bob's death. I met Bob when I was an instuctor at United Flight. He was talented in his profession and a kind and wonderful individual. Soar high my friend.

Ron Cargile

February 15, 2011

I just heard about this tragedy, Bob was a friend for over 25 years and we had lunch together and did work together many times. He was a great person and will always be missed.
My condolences to his family.

John Powell

January 30, 2011

Joyce, I just heard about your loss. Dort called me and I'm devastated. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I know he was doing something he loved. I know there is nothing I can say to make the pain of losing boyh him and your son, but know that if I could be there to wrap my arms around you I would be.

Connie (Taylor) Braun

October 15, 2010

Bob, I have counted you as one of my great friends these past 25 years. You have helped me on numerous occasions with my airplanes, of that I am grateful! I do recognize that you gave up much of your private life to keep many of us flying. I have seen you at the airport all times of the day and nite helping others. You were a truly dedicated professional and I will never forget you. Your smile and personality were infectious. Condolences to your family as their pain is the greatest. Joyce, Thank You for sharing Bob with all of us here at WVI

Don Gardner

September 27, 2010

I was stunned to learn of your great loss.My late husband Jeremy and I greatly admired your beautiful family. As a recent widow I keenly feel your pain. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am a fellow parishioner of Holy Cross and a former Westlake School teacher.

Madeline Crews

September 26, 2010

Bob was a tremendous Pilot along with an occasional ride with Bob he also did all the maintenance on my airplane. A really great person whom will be missed. Watsonville Muni will not be the same without him. My conolences to his family.
Dennis Newell Holllister, CA

September 26, 2010

My friend John Rodarte called me and shared the news of Bob's tradegy. I was deeply moved by the tragic event. I was a co-worker with him in the Inspection Department at United Airlines. His imposing frame along with his love of aviation, along with his humor made the workplace a jovial place to be. Really a great person to work alongside. My prayers are with the family. May God enable the family to understand and withstand their loss. God doesn't make mistakes.

Ron Aaron

September 24, 2010

I just returned from vacation and read about this jaw dropping loss to the aviation community and to Bob's family. My sympathies to all who knew and loved Bob. A finer person never walked the earth.

Scott Owen

September 22, 2010

I wish to express my condolences to family and friends. I did not know Bob, but my friends Mike and Barbara Peterson have brought him to life to us. May you rest in the peace of his love for you, and listen to the wind to hear his laughter. Suzanne Dickinson

Suzanne Dickinson

September 22, 2010

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Bob. I'll never meet a nicer, kinder or more generous man. Bob has taken care of me for years and every time I go up, I never worry about the plane because he was the best. My heart goes out to his family and all the great people at United Flight who are suffering at this time. You are all in my prayers. God bless you Bob.

Steve Snell

September 21, 2010

Bob was a kind, generous man. He helped me with my aircraft maintenance for some years. A terrible loss to the aviation community and his family. Please accept my condolences.

James O'Dell

September 21, 2010

Matt and family...Your Dad will be missed by many. My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts are with you all. I love you!!

Mike Augustine

September 21, 2010

I'm so sorry for your loss. I've known Bob for 7 or 8 years, he having provided maintenance service for my aircraft. Nicest guy in the business, and truly enjoyed life. He always had a story to share, and an ear for mine. He was quite proud of his family, as I'm sure they were of him. He will be missed.

John DeCuir

September 21, 2010

Kind, Generous, Fun, I'm honored to have known Bob. Please accept my condolences....

Rob Hardesty

September 20, 2010

Joyce, Laura and Matt - I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Mike was a wonderful young man and one of my son's dearest friends. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families.

Jackie Libbey

September 19, 2010

Dear Joyce and family
My deepest condolences to you and your family.Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. May God Bless you and watch over you at this time.

Nicole Moreno

September 18, 2010

Bob will be greatly missed at WVI. I have had an aviation relationship with Bob for many years. My deepest condolences to his family and to his firend Terry. Tony Gaidos

Tony Gaidos

September 16, 2010

I met Bob in 1978 when I was an instructor at United Flight. He taught me about aircraft maintenance and did most of the annuals on my plane. When it needed a modification, he guided me through it and made sure it was done right. He freely gave me advice and guidance over the years. Mike was as nice as his father and I’m honored to have known them both.

Robert Gandrup

September 15, 2010

My condolences for the recent loss of Bob and Mike Ross. I knew Mike Ross when he was in San Diego participating at St Brigid YA group events. Could always count on him to help out and support activities. Mike would always have a smile on his face and would offer friendship to anyone willingly. He will be missed! God bless and my prayers are with your family.

Dale Miron

September 13, 2010

Bob has been doing my annual inspections and all my maintenance since I moved to Monterey in 2004. He was always available by cell phone, and he gave me so much well-balanced advice over the years. He was a pleasure to work with. My sincere condolences to his and Michael's family

Terry Loar

September 13, 2010

I have known Bob for a number of years through maintenance on my aircraft, a Grumman-American 'Tiger'. Bob was always most helpful, friendly and easy to work with. He will be greatly missed. My wife and I wish to express our most heartfelt sympathy to Bob's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time.

Dave Meinhardt, Palo Alto

September 13, 2010

Dear Joyce,
I am so very sorry to hear about your husband Bob and son Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. I hope your wonderful memories will give you comfort in your time of grief.
Kim Corvin

Kim Corvin

September 13, 2010

Joyce,
I just learned of the accident. I am so sorry that you and your family are feeling such pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol Lawler

Carol Lawler

September 13, 2010

I met Bob about two years when I moved to Hollister from Pine Mountain Lake. Bob was recommeded to me for maintenance on my 172. Everytime I had a question he would take time to answer it and, if I didn't understand his answer, explain it to me in terms I understood. He was fair and honest in his work and I will miss him greatly. Even though our realtionship was around airplane business, I considered a him friend.

Larry shaw

September 11, 2010

I never met a man who could accomplish so much even while working full time at UAL. Bob was very generous and helpful with the annual inspections and repairs on our Cessna.Thank you,Bob,and may you now fly where never lark or even eagle flew..

Tom Sullivan

September 11, 2010

I met Bob about 30 years ago when hearing he wanted to sell a Cessna 170B he had rebuilt from a wreck. I purchased the aircraft and we have been friends ever since. Anytime I wanted to ask him a question or needed something done on my aircraft he was always there for me. He was the best metal man I ever knew. When hearing of his passing I was stunned. He was a real gentleman. I always referred to him as the gentle giant. He will surely be missed by many. My heart goes out to Joyce and his family over Bob and Michael"s passing.

Jim Goodman

September 11, 2010

I worked with Bob for many years at United Airlines before he transferred to Oakland. Bob was always a hard working and friendly guy who had a good sense of humor. I was so sorry to hear of his accident. My deepest sympathy to his Family over Bob and Michael's passing.

John Stokes

September 11, 2010

Although I do not know Bob's family, I send my most sincere condolences. I have been in aviation for over forty eight years and have over sixteen thousand hours in the air in General Aviation, Business aviation, civil aviation, USAF, and the Airlines. So you see I have known many Aviation folks. I met Bob about 12yrs ago at Watsonville Airport and entrusted him with much of the maintenance of my Great Lakes. He was simply the best, and a gentleman to boot. A great loss to the aviation community at the Watsonville Airport.

Larry Robbins

September 11, 2010

I was shocked and saddened when I learned of the accident. Bob was an big inspiration in my life and taught me much about both life and airplanes. I always felt that he was one of the greatest men I have ever met and always felt privileged when I was in his company. I often think about the dangers my friends face when flying and the possibility of accidents. However to me Bob was larger than life, and it never occurred to me that this could happen to him. I miss him and he will be missed by many.

John Craver

September 11, 2010

It saddened me to here of the recent tragedy involving Bob and Mike Ross. Mike was a good friend, and we had recently re-connected in San Diego after a few years of being out of touch. Before he moved to Austin, myself and a large group of his San Diego friends had a goodbye BBQ for him at Fiesta Island, a place he loved to gather with people and grill it up. I'll miss him and send my deepest condolences to the family.

C. Colton

September 11, 2010

I was a youth pastor @ First Presbyterian Church in Santa Cruz back in the 90's when Mike was in his teenage and college age years. Mike came to our youth group and events occasionally because he was a good friend of Carey Webber...a student in our group. Mike was one of the nicest young men I have ever met. He was always polite and respectful of others. His friend Carey called me with this news with great sadness. I will be praying for your family as you suffer such great loss.

Paul Hargreaves

September 10, 2010

Bob, the years we worked together as Inspectors at United Airlines are some of my greatest memories. I was your shadow; anywhere you were I was right beside you. People use to tease and call me your son and it was true. You were Father, Big Brother and Friend to me. I learned a lot from you like crazy mid-west sayings “You gotta make hay while the suns shining” to “We hosed them good today.” My favorite one is “Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow.” They were just some of the crazy things you came up with. I always thought you must have a book of funny sayings that you memorized. Thou anyone who knew you knows how long and hard you worked and how honest you were. You touched so many lives in different ways. I will always think of you and smile. My heart and prayers go out to Joyce and your Family during this great loss.

John Rodarte

September 10, 2010

Joyce, my sincere condolences to you and your family. My son knew your husband and flew with him in the past. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Norm McBride

Norman McBride

September 10, 2010

I've known Bob for years, both as a friend and the guy who kept my planes flying and prepared them for AirVenture Cup Air Races. He always, always did his best to make sure you were flying in a safe aircraft... I think partly out of professional pride and part because he took care of his flying friends.

My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Mike McEvoy

September 10, 2010

Bob was a wonderful man and I know he will really be missed by everyone who knew him. No one was more friendly, more helpful and more trustworthy than Bob Ross. He always did his best for you, no matter what the issue or what pressures he himself was dealing with at the time. He always greeted you with a smile and warm welcome. I will always have fond memories of him as a really good friend. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Steve Henderson

September 10, 2010

Bob was a good guy, a great mechanic, and an invaluable asset to our airport. He will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathies to his family for their loss.

Rick Damon

September 10, 2010

We haven't seen Bob in a long long time, but all his cousins in La Salle, Il send our deepest sympathy and prayers to all his family.
Jeanne Samolinski, Dolores Renkosik and Rose Wojciechowski

September 10, 2010

What a sad surprise to find a message about Bob and his son in my email just now. I'm so sorry. I've known him almost 20 years and was just talking to him two weeks ago at WVI. Nice guy. My condolences to all his family and friends.

Paul Fewel

September 10, 2010

I only met Bob once, when I was getting checked out in the Arrow several years ago. I loved learning to fly the Arrow. He and my dad were high school classmates. He was a very nice guy with a great memory. He'll be missed.

Lance McBride

September 10, 2010

Bob was a great business partner, a caring and generous human being, as good an airplane mechanic as they come, and a dear friend. In our years working with him at United Flight he was always quick with a smile, had a moment to share his expertise, and we always knew he had our back in the daily skirmishes of running an FBO. His word and handshake were better than any contract. And his love and pride of Joyce and his children was absolute. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joyce and his family. Bob, it was a joy and privilege to have been your friend and partner. Rest in peace.

Brad & Alicia

September 10, 2010

Bob always took time to listen, to lend a hand or give advice no matter how busy he was, Bob I will miss your presence at kwvi. May God send his angels to comfort your family.

Jeff Ritchie

September 9, 2010

Enjoyed working for you, even if only part-time at United Flight. Will fondly remember our presentation to Shoreline Middle School, your advice when signing off on my aircraft and your consistent positive attitude. Your heading west leaves a void that can't be filled.

Rayvon Williams

September 9, 2010

{FOREVER TOGETHER..and..FROM ABOVE}... SENDING THEIR LOVE AND PROTECTION TO ALL THOSE THEY LOVE....

September 9, 2010

My son, Jeremy, is a student at Bob's school. Bob will be sincerely missed, as will Brian, Mike and Gabe.

I hope the community will help United Flight Services see their dreams to fruition, despite recent tragedies. It would seem like the best way to honor the lives of these wonderful men. They gave so much to my son and other students in the community I'm sure.

Although Jeremy feels a bit grounded at the moment, we'll keep our flight school bumper sticker right where it is, and pray for the families, friends and a future at Watsonville Airport.

Susun Gallery Levey

September 9, 2010

Bob was fair and honest, a pleasure to work with, and took care of our little plane with quiet competence. I shall miss his presence at the airport.

Stan Suski

September 9, 2010

Joyce and Family~So sorry to hear the news about Bob and Michael. We just never know what God's plan for us will be. Want you to know your in our thoughts and prayers.

Jackie Freeman

September 9, 2010

My heart goes out to Joyce and all of the family and this difficult time.

Jim Colby

September 9, 2010

Dear Joyce and Family: We are so sorry to hear about Bob and Michael. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Delbecq's

September 9, 2010

We wish to extend our condolences to Bob Ross' family. He had a vision for the future of United Flight Svc. and an intense passion for aviation and all it embraces. Indeed, a sad day for all at KWVI.
Gary & Alicia Plomp

Gary Plomp

September 9, 2010

We are sending Bob's family and everyone at United Flight Services our love, light and prayers....Nathan Lewis and family

September 9, 2010

I AM THE WIFE OF ROBERT CHAVEZ (SFO) WHO HAD KNOWN BOB & HIS FAMILY FOR OVER 30 YRS. HE IS BESIDE HIMSELF WITH GRIEF OVER BOB & MICHAEL'S DEATHS. HE FLEW WITH BOB MANY TIMES. I'VE MET BOB & HIS FAM. & I KNOW HOW CLOSE THEY WERE. HE WAS SO PROUD OF HIS SONS & HIS DAUGHTER. HE WAS ONE OF THE NICEST GUYS I HAVE EVER MET. I ONLY HOPE ALL THEIR WONDERFUL MEMORIES CAN HELP THE FAMILY THROUGH THEIR GRIEF. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH BOB & MICHAEL, IN THE HEAVENS FOREVER....OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES, SUSIE CHAVEZ

September 9, 2010

I didn't know Bob Ross, but Rick Barry, my late husband did. A mechanic himself, he always spoke highly of Bob's mechanical skill, and really appreciated Bob's willingness to share his knowledge, as well as his generosity of spirit. Rick learned so much from Bob during the short time they knew one another. For my part, I'm forever grateful to this remarkable man I never knew, because he did so much to help my beloved husband grow as a pilot. It was always a dream of Rick's to be a good pilot, and, thanks in no small way to Bob, he achieved his dream prior to dying of cancer in 2005. I know they're trading stories in that hangar in the sky.
My heart goes out to Bob's family and friends in this time of terrible loss.
Tracy Barry

September 9, 2010

Bob was a nice guy,and will be missed

mark Ellison

September 9, 2010

I worked with Bob at United Airlines when he worked in the inspection department.He was an excellant inspector,but those that knew Bob knew that he really loved the small aircraft.Everyone at united airlines will really miss Bob.

Bob Krepelka

September 9, 2010

Frequency change noted. Rest in peace Bob.

Tim Shea

September 9, 2010

Mike Ross was a good freind of mine one of the best men I ever knew. He was incredibly smart, honest, and he lived life to the fullest in everything he did. My heart goes out to the Ross family in this terrible time of loss. In their short time on this earth Bob and Mike touched so many lives and made the world a better place they will be greatly missed.

-Pascoe Bowen (Salt Lake City, Utah)

September 9, 2010

Bob came to my rescue when my plane was on fire and saved me an insureance call. I did not know Bob that well, but what I did know is he helped me, a perfect stranger to him, with such conviction. The airport will never be the same without his blessed presence. My heart goes out to his family.

Bianca Soros

September 9, 2010

Bob was a top-notch mechanic and a really good guy. I trusted him and his work completely and he always took good care of our plane. WVI will not be the same without him.

Val Brenner

September 9, 2010

Bob is one of the kindest and most honest people at the airport... always with a smile on his face and open to helping others. My deepest sympathies to all whose lives Bob touched.

~Jennifer Jewell

September 9, 2010

I didn't know Bob that well when I was taking flying lessons years ago, but what I do remember was a very nice and caring man, always smiling and willing to give a helping hand. My condolences to friends and family..

Josh Hinde

September 9, 2010

Many prayers for Bob's family. This past month has been so hard for so many.

September 9, 2010

All of your Ashley classmates want to express our deepest sympathy and insure you that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lon King

September 9, 2010

Our deepest sympathy goes to the entire family. Father and son were absolutely wonderful. You are in our prayers and thoughts..from our family to yours..The Antigiovannis of San Diego..Alex, Jo Ann, Keith and Sierra.

September 9, 2010

A genuine friend, we will miss your smile and caring of all. Thank you for allowing me to work with you, it was an honor.

John Aspesi

September 9, 2010

I have been flying for 25 years and Bob has been a part of every flight. I have spent time with both Bob and Michael, and have the highest respect for both of these fine men. I am so sorry for the family and for all of us at the airport that were part of Bobs family as well.
Mike Peterson

September 9, 2010

Bob took care of my airplane. He was a great mechanic. He was also a wonderful compassionate and generous man. It was hard for me to hear the news of he and his son passing. My thoughts go out to him, his family, and his crew at United Flight.

Dan Arias

September 9, 2010

Thank you for being my good friend. And thank you for making my airplane safe to fly year after year. You touched many lives, and made friends of us all. There is no hang out like United Flight, we are truly family. I will miss you Bob. Rest in peace Bob and Mike.

Steven Pauly

September 9, 2010

Bob Ross, my friend, excellent in character, a can do, helpful person with attention to safety, always upbeat. Worked on my T210 over ten years. I trusted his expert advice and skills with my life.
Bob will be missed by many.

Ron Gutzmer

September 9, 2010

Dearest Joyce, My memories keep going back to last summer and sharing Bob's passions for life, flying but most of all for you and his family. I didn't know Michael but know he was a wonderful person because of his parents. I know there is nothing I can say or do to ease your pain but your strong faith will help you the most now. You and yours are in my heart and in my prayers. Love, Dorothy Lewis

September 9, 2010

Bob Ross was a top notch guy. I met Bob back in 1982 when I started working at United Flight. No doubt about it...airplanes were his life!

Ron VanBenthuysen

September 8, 2010

All of us at that airport are gonna miss you something fierce, Bob. Thanks for helping make our flying such a safe and pleasurable experience. Rest in Peace.

Manthri Srinath

September 8, 2010

A great loss to all of us, Bob was always there for me and the club at any time or for anything; I have never seen someone that cared so much about his profession, and the people around him. I will miss you dearly; my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Abe Hazbun

September 8, 2010

Such devastating news. I have known Bob for 33 years meeting him while I was Flight Instructing at United Flight in the late 70's. One of the nicest and most genuine people you could know. He will be missed

kevin mcconnell

September 8, 2010

my good friend one of best mechanics at wvi

doug glass

September 8, 2010

I flew at United Flight all the time. Bob is one of the nicest guys I have ever met while flying. I am restoring a plane and he was very helpful and didn't want anything for it until we had it finished.

Chris Kilgus

September 8, 2010

Showing 1 - 77 of 77 results

Make a Donation
in Bob Ross's name

How to support Bob's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bob Ross's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more