Richard L Rossow

Obituary: Richard L. Rossow (1968 - 2025)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard L. Rossow in Fairbanks, Alaska on June 8, 2025, at the age of 56 following a decades long struggle with diabetes. Born on December 12, 1968, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Richard spent his early years in the North Shore of Massachusetts, with impactful childhood moments in Hong Kong and Philadelphia. His Army service brought him to Hawaii, and he briefly lived in Austin and Fort Worth on several occasions, before and after becoming a resident of Fairbanks in 2003. Richard lived a life marked by creativity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to the people around him.
Richard's formative years were shaped by his voracious love of reading, particularly fantasy works like those of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and Norse mythology, which inspired his own imaginative pursuits. His intrigue with history blossomed when, as a child living in Hong Kong, he discovered a building that was over a thousand years old. Richard was a strategist, well-known for his exceptional skills in chess and D&D, and later as a creator and master of fantasy tabletop and Live Action Role Playing (LARP) scenarios. These interests fostered countless lifelong bonds with people from all walks of life around the world.
While he spent some time at Gordon College, Richard, who read about 200 books a year, chose to educate himself in pursuit of his creative passions. Following Army service as an Artilleryman, and multiple retail jobs, Richard, who was always a night owl, finally settled into a career as an overnight caregiver in group homes for mentally challenged adults. Despite facing his own challenges, he found joy and fulfillment in serving others, embodying compassion and an empathetic spirit in its truest form.
Richard was also a writer and poet, crafting works that radiated sincerity. Though he never sought publication, his unique perspective and passion for the written word enriched the lives of those for whom he wrote. His sharp intellect and penchant for debate sometimes led to conflict with friends and strangers, but more often to commiseration with others about issues of faith, society, and politics. In recent years, Richard discovered new delights in gardening and cooking, both areas in which he desired to share his limited bounty with others.
Richard began his spiritual journey while part of his youth group in Gloucester and gave his life to Christ when he was 16. His faith deepened over the years as he overcame struggles with anger, addiction, and forgiveness. He found peace and joy, sharing it openly with those around him and interweaving his spiritual journey with his creative endeavors.
Though he never started a family of his own, Richard played an integral role in many families, lovingly known as "Uncle Richard" by nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends. His ability to connect authentically with people, especially children, left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
As his health declined in recent years, Richard approached life with resilience and gratitude, finding beauty, joy, and humor even when his body began to fail. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Charles F. Rossow and Patricia H. (Gallo) Rossow and is survived by his brothers Robert and Andrew, and sister Maria White, along with their spouses and children, as well as a multitude of cousins and gamers worldwide.
Friends of Richard are invited to a celebration at the Moose Lodge in Fairbanks on Friday, July 18th between 6-9 PM. A memorial service will follow at Faith Baptist Church on Chena Pump Road on Sunday, July 20th at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Richard's name to the Fairbanks Rescue Mission (https://www.fairbanksrescuemission.org/-landing-2) or the Fairbanks Foodbank (https://fairbanksfoodbank.org/).