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Michael Ross Obituary
Michael Ross, 32, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Santa Cruz tragically passed away with his dad September 7, 2010 in a plane crash in Baxter County, Arkansas. He is survived by his mom, Joyce, his sister, Laura Salerno and her husband Chris and daughter Natalie Mike's goddaughter, and brother Matthew and his wife, Joanne.
He was born in Santa Cruz, CA and graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1996 and got his private pilots license that summer. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly SLO in 2002. Mike worked in San Diego as an engineer at Pro Comp designing and producing truck accessories. Later, at Fallbrook Technologies he worked on several projects including a CVT transmission for the NuVinci bicycle. He consulted for Viryd on wind turbines until a job opportunity at Viryd brought him to Austin, Texas in May of this year.
Mike was active with the Catholic Church by organizing meals at soup kitchens, playing music in the ministry at Holy Cross and building houses and classrooms in Mexico. He loved adventures: camping, four wheeling, mountain biking, hiking, and caving. Mike had a red duffel bag with a change of clothes ready to visit family and friends around the world. He was the co-pilot for so many. You could always call Mike for help and he helped everyone during his short life. His good heart, his sweet nature and his selfless character will be missed. Mike loved adventures and traveled so much recently, for work or friends or family, he never really settled in Austin. He is loved by his family and will be missed. If only he could have one more trip home.
A funeral mass for Mike and his dad will be held September 27th in Santa Cruz at 10 am at Holy Cross Church. A second memorial for Mike will be held in San Diego on October 2nd at 5:30 at St. Brigid's Catholic Church. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to continue Mike's charitable work at the Newman Catholic Center-SLO, 1472 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ross
Sponsored by The Ross Family.
leo chiyoung
November 4, 2010
Thought we never meet with eachother, I will remember the days when we work together!
Tony Liu from China
Sr. Judith Krantz, ESEH
September 30, 2010
I wasn't privileged to ever meet Mike at our convent in Tijuana but in reading about Mike and his Father, I feel all of your pain. Know that my prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Praise God for good memories. May they carry you through, along with lots of prayers and kind words from everyone. God bless you all.
Sr. Judith of Our Lady of Divine Mercy, E.S.E. H.
Pete Godefroy
September 30, 2010
Mike was such a wonderful guy, so generous with his time and talents. He would offer up his Saturdays to work with us in TJ, bringing with him some other young volunteers from St. B's. What a great guy!!
Sr. Lillian Manning
September 29, 2010
I will think of Mike everytime I go to Tijuana to the Convents. I know he put in many hour to help to make them beautiful for us sisters. We appreciate it very much!
I did not know he was in Austin. I am on the North edge of Austin in Round Rock, TX. My his soul rest in pease with our Lord. God bless all of you. I will continue to pray for you.
Sr. Lillian Manning,ESEH
Kellie and Nate Terrell
September 27, 2010
Mike was a very close friend of ours and we will always miss his smile, his laugh, his positive attitude and the way he made everything he did fun – just by being himself! Mike has been our constant companion on all our hiking/backpacking trips and we’ll forever cherish all our adventures together!
We’ll never forget one trip we took up Mt. Whitney. A few folks from our group got caught in a hail/lightning storm near the top of the mountain. Mike had already summited the 14,500’ and came down to our base camp at 12,000’. When he found out that there were a few of our group that hadn’t made it back yet, he grabbed his water bottle and a few essentials and headed BACK up the mountain. He not only found them, but helped carry all their (wet) gear back down to camp. That’s just the kind of guy Mike was. He would never leave a friend and without any hesitation, you could count on him for anything. Mike will always be treasured in our hearts – for who he was, for how he showed us – by example – how to live, and for how he made us better people. He will be missed more than words can say. We know Mike is with us in spirit and we will see our dear friend again someday! Our love to him and to you – our deepest sympathy is shared with his family and friends.
Jamie DeBonis
September 23, 2010
Mike Ross…you had the biggest, warmest, kindest, most welcoming smile of anyone I have ever known. Everyone that met you liked you. You had a way about you that made people feel comfortable. You were true to your word, always willing to help those you needed it, and an all around good guy. You were a wonderful person and I feel lucky to have known you.
Chris Colton
September 23, 2010
Mike and I only re-connected in San Diego recently, but we packed in some good times. There wasn't a more selfless, affable and genuine guy. The San Diego Memorial is evidence of how well-loved he was down here, and we were all better people for knowing him. I miss you, buddy.
September 23, 2010
When I talked with Mike he truly listened and cared. I enjoyed hiking with him and meeting up with him at social events. He will definitely be missed but his impact on our lives will go on.
Meghann Hughes
September 22, 2010
Mike was a dear friend to many and an inspiration to us all. I'll always have fond memories of our volunteer trips to Mexico. He was the one that would lead us on the adventures and facilitate the humanitarian work. He definitely left his mark. My condolences to his family.
Love, Meghann Hughes
St. Brigid Catholic Church
San Diego CA
September 22, 2010
In my opinion, I think a great way to honor Mike is to emulate the best that we can his peacefulness, sense of trust, faith, adventure, compassion and service for others. My heart aches for the loss of such a special person and I offer up many prayers to his family. He truly was a gift and his absense hear on earth is only relieved knowing that he is in heaven.
September 21, 2010
Please know that many prayers are being offered up to God on behalf of your precious son and beloved husband. I pray that you will feel Gods protection around you during this tragic time.
Carey Webber
September 21, 2010
Mike was my best friend since 6th grade, I will miss him dearly and look forward to seeing him again someday.
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