Search by Name

Search by Name

Ross Stanley Banister

1944 - 2024

Ross Stanley Banister obituary, 1944-2024, Fresno, CA

BORN

1944

DIED

2024

Ross Banister Obituary

Ross Stanley Banister

February 25, 1944 - July 23, 2024

Fresno, California - Ross lived longer than anyone with a 2 pack-a-day habit had any right to. In fact, it seemed like he packed more than one life into his 80 years, at various times holding the titles of football running back (Fresno Bulldog class of '67), pool shark, pilot, counselor, Indian medicine man, theologian, substance abuse counselor, homeless advocate, brother, uncle, husband, and father.

Throughout his many lives, Ross had a heart for the outsider, the addicted, and the down on their luck. Ross was 42 years, 8 months, and 11 days sober on the day of his death thanks to the 12 steps and the support of his Alcoholics Anonymous brethren. He earned a Doctor of Divinity degree with a dissertation titled, "A Faith Based Integrated Recovery Program: From Addiction to New Identity." He worked with the homeless and addicted in Texas, Oklahoma, Vancouver, Roseburg (Oregon), and Fresno.

There will be a celebration of the many lives of Ross Banister at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at The Word Community Church at 4710 N Polk Ave, Fresno, CA 93722.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ross Banister

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

John Blake

August 26, 2024

I met Ross in 1990. He was featured on the front page of The Oklahoman newspaper as the turtle medicine man from Bengal Mountain in southeast Oklahoma. I was intrigued by the article, cut it out, and placed it in my desk drawer. A month later I was hosting an organizational meeting at my home 150 miles from Bengal Mountain. A group of us were planning our first of what was to be many trips to South Dakota for a Lakota Sundance ceremony. Ross walked in. I recognized him immediately. We became fast friends. My wife and I participated with him in many ceremonies over the next 10 years. We eventually lost touch as we moved in different directions. It has been 24 years since that parting. In the past month my wife Susanne and I have been reminiscing about our adventures with Ross. Today I decided to search online for any current information I might find on him . To my sad surprise I came across this obituary and the news that he had moved on in July, just when we had begun discussing him. Ross, Susanne, and I had a special connection. His coming and going have been bookends in an extraordinary journey we have taken together. He will be missed but he continues to live in the Ross stories we still tell around the campfire. John Blake

Bob Freed

August 20, 2024

In memory of a wonderful human being. It´s been many years since I have seen him, but I have kept up on his activities and know his great qualities stayed with him to the end of his time here.
May you be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life/lives well lived.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Ross Banister's name

Memorial Events
for Ross Banister

Aug

24

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

The Word Community Church

4710 N Polk Ave, Fresno, CA

How to support Ross's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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
How to Write an Obituary

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

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 Ross Banister's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

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

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

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

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