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Ross Aguiar Obituary
Ross Aguiar, beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, coach and friend, passed away Thursday, October 15. He left behind a family that will love him forever. Ross married his best friend Sue Thornburgh June 17, 1989. Together they had three beautiful children Emily, Betsy, and Jake. For Ross, family was the foundation of his life and his children were the light.
Ross grew up in Fallon, Nevada knowing the importance of hard work. This work ethic carried him throughout his full life -- milking cows, loading hay, digging ditches, wrestling and coaching children. For him, anything was possible. If it was a dream, he made it a reality. He knew that the true meaning of a full life was love and friendship. Ross never met a stranger. He took care of people and people loved him for that. Ross was an amazing storyteller and enjoyed laughter. He truly lived life to the fullest.
Ross wrestled his way through college at both Minot State and Boise State University. As a college wrestler, he became a devoted supporter of the sport. Wrestling continued to be a passion that he shared with others. He coached many children throughout Reno including the Manogue High School team. For many years he continued learning about the sport he loved while facilitating Oklahoma State Wrestling camps at the University of Nevada, Reno. Ross was a proud co-founder of the Reno Tournament of Champions. He helped many wrestlers fulfill their dreams of wrestling in college. Honoring his life's work with the sport he loved so dearly, Ross was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in December of 2011. But more importantly, he nurtured numerous young men into caring adults, and this is Ross' true legacy. His wife and children are proud of the love he so generously shared and the many lives he touched.
When not wrestling, Ross worked for the Reno Police Department dealing with many aspects of law enforcement. While there, he helped establish the Police Athletic League Wrestling Club. After retiring from the Department in 2000, he started a new career in stainless steel manufacturing, and most recently he owned and operated A.P. Stainless Manufacturing Company.
He grew up in Fallon, Nevada. He leaves behind his mother Nida of Fallon, stepmother Sue, brothers Derek, Kirk (Ciandra), Glenn (Robin), Fred (Patty), and Anthony, sisters Tammy, Kiran (Butch), Robin, Kelly, Francine and Hope. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends whose life he influenced greatly.
Services will be held Saturday, October 24 at South Reno United Methodist Church, 200 De Spain Lane, Reno, NV 89511, at 2:00 with a 4:00 celebration of his life at the Silver Legacy. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Eddy House, P.O Box 6207 Reno, Nevada 89513-6207 attention Marie.
His family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this most difficult time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ross Aguiar
Mark Moberly
March 20, 2019
I know your daughter Emily and at first I wondered where she got her Spirit and Strength ....now I know ...Rest in Peace ....Mark Moberly -Reno NV
Niki Hunter
November 1, 2015
My sincerest condolences to Ross' family and friends.
I had an opportunity to work with Ross at Reno PD's Front Desk in late 1988 (I was an Admin Clerk II). I remember one time I was having problems getting through to a caller, and Ross signaled for me to put him on hold. I explained the situation to Ross. Ross picked up another phone when I picked up mine, and he listened in on the call. He covered his phone and whispered to hang up. Both of us hung up at the same time--hanging up on the guy in stereo. Ross told me I did not get paid to take the abuse the guy was giving me on the phone.
Sometime before 1999, I ran into him at the pediatrician's office. I was a bit surprised--and very happy--to hear that he was married and had a child (I can't remember how many children he had or the specific year--I'm sorry). I would have enjoyed talking to him more, but he was called back.
I only knew him for a short time, but I know he was a great guy.
Sonny Zamora
October 28, 2015
Ross Aguiar was the epitome of Character! I first knew him at 14, I thought I would teach him things because I was older, wow was I wrong! He lived life with seizing every moment, and helping everyone. When I needed him he was there, when no-one believed in me Ross was there. When I was wrong, he told me I was wrong. I never knew a guy who was absolutely afraid of nothing, in sports, in life and in business.
I can't imagine what Ross's family has lost, but I know this World will never fully appreciate what Ross's being on this Earth meant to the little community of Fallon and Reno.
He was a true Man's Man and yes my Hero, which I am sure there are a few other men out there that would feel the same way.
Rest in Peace my friend, only the good die young!
Shari Holmes
October 28, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Aguilar family. I went to school with Glenn and knew of Ross. Also friends with Tam and Robin. May God be with you all and prayers coming your way. Much love.
Laura Barrett-Shockley
October 26, 2015
I went to BSU with Ross graduating in Criminal Justice with him. He was a wonderful person. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ellen Burroughs
October 26, 2015
My deepest sympathies for the family in their loss of such a nice man. I will miss seeing him in church- RIP Ross
Mercedes Eizaguirre
October 26, 2015
So sorry to hear about Ross passing. He was one of the best people a have ever met, when I worked for a pediatrician's office and Sue and Ross brought their children there. Rest in Peace Ross. You are loved by so many. All my love to Sue and children.
Lori May
October 25, 2015
Sue, Emily, Betsy, and Jake - I had the pleasure of announcing the RTOC tournaments and through that connection a lifelong friendship was forged. Ross was a gentle giant and his presence was always welcomed by so many. My family and I enjoye his hospitality and friendship. Ross will be forever missed. God bless each of you during this time and in the future.
Levi Smith
October 25, 2015
This man taught me the meaning of hard work, a high single leg, and everything I know of the sport of wrestling. He sat on the Boards for Boise State and Oklahoma State wrestling. He was the creator of the TOC (Tournament of Champions), the toughest wrestling tournament that lay claim to Cael Sanderson's final loss as an ammy. He introduced me to the Olympian John Smith and UFC Stars Dan Henderson and Uriah Faber. Without him,I would have never known my passion for combat sports. Today, the world lost a great coach and an even greater man. You forever inspired me, and I will always be greatful. REST IN POWER ROSS AGUIAR!!!
Raider and Loretta Lentine
October 24, 2015
Our sincerest condolences to his family. We hope you will feel comfort and love during this terribly difficult time.
Tammie Jennings
October 24, 2015
Our deepest Sympathies to Sue, Emily, Betsy, Jake and all of Ross' family and friends. Thank you for sharing him with us. Words can never be enough to say what he meant to the Jennings Family. Sending Aloha and gratitude for his special place in our lives. His friendship and dedication to us is everlasting.
The Jennings Family
Randy, Tammie, Randee, Derek and Dylan
Hawaii
Jane Capurro
October 23, 2015
My heart-felt prayers go out to the Aguiar family. I've known Ross since high school and 10 or more years could pass, but when I saw him he was the same as ever. He was such a good person, kind, warm, and had such a big heart! There is a hole in this world without him. RIP my friend.
Raymond Crook
October 23, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the
Aguiar family. He will be missed by anyone who met him and he was so proud of his kids, as family was so important for him. I pray that the family will carry on the Aguiar love.
God bless and Ross and his family are always in our thoughts.
The Crook Family
Jennie Ghormley
October 23, 2015
R.I.P. Ross, my last memories of you would be in Big Creek, NV. (after our 30 yrs class reunion) You were like a big teddy bear that always had an infectious smile. Prayers to your family and the many people's lives you have touched. May they all find peace in knowing you did a Job well done here the past 53 yrs of your life. You will be missed! God Bless!
Jamie Johnston
October 22, 2015
I first met Ross when he first started the Wrestling tournament for Reno Police Dept. it was held at the Old Gym at UNR! He was so much fun and always nudging you then came the bear hug!!! Such a kind and caring person. He always remembered me when I would run into him at different functions in Reno. And boy did he love Boise State Athletics!!! I still can't believe it....God Bless his family that he loved more than anything. You will be missed so much Ross and you were so well liked, you knew no strangers!!! You treated everyone equal, we need more people like you in this world. Rest in peace Ross and keep everyone in line in Heaven. Again, God Bless his beautiful wife and children.
October 22, 2015
So sorry to hear of Ross's passing. I was a clerk at Reno Justice Court and use to see him everyday. He always had a smile and a hug. He will be missed.
Robbin Baker
Rod and Linda Fuller
October 22, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers to the Aguiar Family.
The Fuller's
October 22, 2015
What a huge loss for society. Ross was full of character and endurance. His passing has left an empty place that nobody can fill.
Brian Spencer
Bismarck, North Dakota
Mike and Marlea Pointer
October 22, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vance DeBilzan
October 22, 2015
My prayers and condolences to the Aguiar family and friends of Ross. We will miss you deeply my friend.
JIM DUSCHEN
October 22, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with Ross family. I am deeply saddened as Ross was a dear friend. He was a friend of many and will be missed by all who had the opportunity to get to know him.
Melissa Partyka
October 22, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the Aguiar family! Prayers to you all- Melissa and Jeff Partyka
Joni Meredith
October 22, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Kelly Werner
October 21, 2015
Our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Aguiar family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kelly Werner & Kylee Joseph
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