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Ross Andrews Obituary
New Hill
Ross Lester Andrews, 39, died unexpectedly Friday evening while running on a trail he loved near Steep Hill Creek above Yates Mill Pond in Raleigh. A native of Charlottesville, VA, Ross was an environmental scientist, educator and poet. He graduated from the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of the NC Fellows Program and the UNC marching and concert bands. He completed graduate education at NC State University, earning a Master of Science Degree in Soil Science and a Master of Forestry Degree, and he was a certified NC Environmental Educator. Ross was the Executive Director of the Center for Human-Earth Restoration, a non-profit he co-founded based in part on a belief that if people expand their connection to the Earth, they will find deeper joy in time outdoors and, in turn, will protect the Earth and live with it wisely.
Ross's lifelong love of nature grew from Boy Scout camping and backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and canoeing in rivers near Charlottesville. He began writing poetry under the great oaks and poplars of the UNC campus, and in 2008 he published a book of poems entitled, "Wild Peace". Ross and his fiancée Wendy had just begun to make their home together in the bucolic community of New Hill. Ross was devoted to his 7-year old daughter, Naomi, with whom he shared his deep love for spending time in nature and for dancing.
Surviving are his fiancée, Wendy Sarratt of New Hill; his daughter, Naomi Sequoia Andrews of Raleigh; his father, Lester Andrews of Charlottesville, VA and his wife Barbara; and his brother, Scott Andrews of Reston, VA and his wife Allison, as well as other much-loved relatives and friends. Ross was predeceased by his mother, Marjorie Andrews.
Friends will be received 3:00-6:00 PM Saturday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 396 West St. in Pittsboro. A memorial service will be held on November 16 at a site to be determined in the Raleigh area. Gifts in Ross's memory may be made to the Center for Human-Earth Restoration, centerforhuman-earthrestoration.com or Triangle Land Conservancy, triangleland.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ross Andrews
Sponsored by That little Culross Chestnut Oak.
Thanksgiving 1990 Wish the shot of Ross were better
October 23, 2017
So sorry that this is the only way I know to reach my old friends, as my heart goes out to you. Memories food back of our happy times over 25 years ago. You are in my thoughts.
Robert Knotts
March 31, 2014
Sorry for the delayed post, but I just heard this terrible news. Ross was one of the most unique individuals I ever had the pleasure to call my friend. I met him my freshman year of college and we shared a lot of memorable experiences together like running on trails in Chapel Hill, a fall break beach trip and attending the 1996 Olympics. I loved his sense of humor, which included a degree of sarcasm that matched mine. Same for his keen interest in new experiences. Sometimes I think "passion" is overrated, but not in his case. For example, here is a closing to an email I received from Ross on August 19, 2003: "PS I must tell you because you remembered my personal BraveHeart Mythology and shared your comments with me after you saw the movie (and sent me great postcards from Scotland)...
After I finished my masters I got a replica of the William Wallace sword from a sword smith in Tennessee. It is 54" long, leather scabbard and eight pounds (crazy hunh?) made for reinacting.
Ever household needs one!!" Although we had not been in touch in 7+ years, my life is richer for having known Ross. I'm sorry to his loved ones for their loss.
Taylor Ash
February 7, 2014
God bless you.
Sandi
January 4, 2014
As the new year begins, I remember Ross and the wonderful legacy he leaves behind - his love for nature and the written word. My heart continues to go out to his family and loved ones.
Randy
November 28, 2013
Today, I give thanks for the life of Ross and that I had a chance to walk with him for a time. I pray that friends and time will bring some comfort to Wendy, her family, Sarah, her family, Naomi and all her family, Scott, Lester and their families, Ross' long time friends and those who knew him only a short time. I am grateful to have helped in honoring my dear friend and for meeting the multitude of people who each believed that Ross was their best friend. I sense that means we have also become best friends that need to care for each other. Ross brought us all together. Now, silence and solitude in nature will provide what the Divine Mystery intends for us.
Randy
November 27, 2013
Ross, you are my spirit brother. In all my life I have never known another person who shared the same vision about children and the natural world. We walked side by side for a while on a sacred journey and shared mission. I know you were special, brother fox. My prayers for your safe passage rise skyward on the smoke of the sacred fire. I will forever listen for you in the language of the wind in the pines. brother coyote
Michael Hickman
November 16, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Ross' family and friends. In times spent in his company I recognized his sincere and loving soul; his friends' love for him is a tribute to this truth. Ross would stand on a hilltop and proclaim "Freedom"! Such was his regard for human beings and nature, and the joy that ties us all together. His soul will soar among us always.
SEBRENA BLACKNALL
November 9, 2013
Ross was such a nice person. I'm glad GOD allowed him to be apart of our lives. My prayers go out to his family.
November 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I, too, enjoyed talking to Ross daily at work. His spirit was contagious - such a loving, caring person who loved his daughter dearly and expressed his love being out doors. He had a message to share and one would know talking with him that he was a very special person but at the moment, one would just enjoy his presence. Ross shared his poem book with me and it was truly a blessing to know him. To his fiance, daughter and family, you were blessed to have him closed to your heart.
Loria
Rebecca Clay
November 4, 2013
So very sorry to hear about this. I remember Ross well -- a young man full of energy, intelligence and spirit. You will be greatly missed, Ross. Rest in Peace, good man.
Sarah Palmer
November 4, 2013
I didn't know Ross well, but we always had meaningful experiences about nature. Many blessings to all who loved him.
JG
November 4, 2013
Please except my condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Lean on Him for support through prayer and reading his word the Bible daily.
Steve
November 3, 2013
Ross was a caring, thoughtful, fun, happy, and good friend to grow up with. Our countless nights in the tent on scout trips and afternoons sitting together on the bus are not forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
November 3, 2013
Wendy...my heart goes out to you and Ross' family. What a shock. Ross is probably "greening" up heaven now! Will keep you and yours in my prayers. Paula Andrews
2007 with Ross and little Naomi
Robin Sukhadia
November 3, 2013
Ross, you inspired me constantly with your love and belief in the power of nature, poetry and community. We laughed through some of life's most challenging moments, and I send you all my prayers as your spirit moves on. Dearest Naomi, know that your father was a musical and deeply caring spirit, and he loved you tremendously.
Father-Daughter Time, August 2013
Amin Davis
November 2, 2013
Ross is one of the best friends I've ever had and I miss him greatly. However, he's left so many great memories for me and others whose lives he touched. Prayers continue to go up on behalf of Naomi, Wendy, Mr. Andrews, Sara, and the rest of Ross's family, friends, and loved ones.
November 2, 2013
I have taught at Western Albemarle High for 30 years now, and Ross is still one of my favorite students during all those years. I am so very sorry to hear this news and my prayers go out to the family.
November 2, 2013
I am sorry for your loss we look forward to a time where death will be no more. You have my condolences.
Shadu
November 1, 2013
You were a great person. You always were so happy and positive. We had some great talks and I loved tossing the pigskin with you are at work. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
November 1, 2013
Naomi your dad really loved you so much. He shared all the stories with me about your weekend visits.
We will keep all in our prayers.
Cynthia Baggett
November 1, 2013
Wendy,
A million thoughts and prayers coming to you everyday. I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Cynthia
November 1, 2013
So sorry to hear about Ross. My sincere sympathy to the family. May God of all comfort keep you close to his heart and provide you with the strength to continue on. It will get a little easier each day. Wanda
Stacy Cerone
November 1, 2013
So very sorry for your family's loss. Will be praying for you during this sad time.
art benavie
October 31, 2013
Our deepest sympathies,
art benavie and marcy lansman
John and Carmen Chasteen
October 31, 2013
This shocking event has us all thinking about the mysterious fragility of life. Just two months ago, Ross was helping us mourn the death of his dear friend, our son, Erwin. We now join Wendy, Naomi, the rest of Ross's family, and all his friends in this occasion of terrible, unfathomable grief.
Will Manuel
October 31, 2013
I'm truly taken back and by the news of Ross. I've conversed with several of our high school friends this week sharing stories of our good times together with Ross and his passion for life. His actions and countless contributions made this world a better place.
JG
October 31, 2013
May God be with your family as you deal with this loss you experienced (Psalms 55:16).
Chad Duke
October 31, 2013
I had not seen Ross in over 20 years, but I remember him well from UNC's Marching Tar Heels. He had a presence and a gentleness that endured him to others very quickly. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Ana
October 30, 2013
Wendy, Naomi, and family, I am so deeply sorry for this terrible tragedy. Ross was such a gentle and kind soul and our family is forever thankful for his friendship to my late brother. May you all find some peace and comfort in loving and happy memories of Ross. Wendy, my heart is broken for you... I think of you and wish there was more I could do. My mom has also been thinking about you and the news was a terrible blow to her. May God hold you in his light and love!
October 30, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to sweet Naomi. We are so sad for you and your family. Your Washington Elementary family is praying for you. Your Daddy was such a kind man.
October 30, 2013
What a loss...Naomi and my son, Luke, are friends and she invited him to her dance party at Ross' house last year. As the only boy, he was in demand and Ross saved him by showing him a video of his high school lacrosse days. Ross had a special talent for connecting with people and will be missed.
-Cheryl and Luke Rodgers
October 30, 2013
Wendy,
What a terrible tragedy for you and Ross's family. We hope that you have happy memories to help you through this most difficult time.
With our deepest sympathies,
Ellen & Gary Fischer
The Rev. Lorraine Ljunggren
October 30, 2013
On behalf of all the people of God at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Raleigh, our deepest and heartfelt sympathies. Our prayers are surrounding all of Ross' friends and family, Wendy and her friends and family. We give thanks for Ross' legacy of love for God's created order.
Anna Cary
October 30, 2013
Wendy, my heart is with you and all of Ross's loved ones.
Shanna
October 30, 2013
Sara, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Naomi. Sending love and hugs your way.
Iris Senzig
October 30, 2013
Words are simply inadequate. Truly Ross was "an angel among us" and we must honor him and his work every day.
Anne Marie
October 30, 2013
Ross has been a close friend of my brother's since middle school. We were shocked by this sudden event, and deeply saddened. We are keeping family and friends in our prayers.
Christy
October 29, 2013
Mr. Andrew's daughter is in my son's class and I know he doted on Naomi. Their kindergarten year he came every Monday to work with the class and I know all the kids enjoyed him. He has left a legacy. Our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
Boykin's
October 29, 2013
We are sending our loving thoughts to Naomi and her family. Ross was a very special man.
October 29, 2013
We are holding our lovely neighborhood friend Naomi in our hearts at this time. So very sorry for her loss.
Harper, Emerson, Leigh, Thompson Brown
Katy Roberts
October 29, 2013
I do not have my thoughts well enough collected to adequately express my sorrow about Ross' death, but I am praying for Wendy, Naomi, Les and Scott. I've been flooded with happy memories of times with Ross and I'll share these at a later date. I was only in touch with Ross a few times over email in the past few years, but recently especially with his engagement to Wendy I got the sense that he was very very happy and had a peaceful sense of gratitude in his life. I am proud to have known Ross for many years and to have had him influence my mom and brothers' lives too. I wish I could be there this week to offer my condolences in person, especially to Naomi because I too lost my dad unexpectedly in fairly similar circumstances when I was 14. Ross was a great source of comfort to me after losing my dad. He was always a thoughtful listener and had a big kind heart.
With deepest sympathy,
Katy Sloop Roberts
Margaret
October 29, 2013
Ross had an inner light that shined through his words, his actions and his vision. His light shines brightly on especially through his daughter, and all the children and teenagers he has guided through nature.
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