I can’t believe I will never see u again. Sounds selfish but u were my best friend in this weird world we live in. So much love shared, tears shed but you know Ross how close we were ❤️❤️❤️❤️. HUGS AND LOVE TIL WE MEET AGAIN😍

Ross/Rosco Who knew you would be taken from us all so cruelly, so suddenly and so early. You had offered so much to so many and were poised to enjoy some of the rewards of your lifetime of hard work, planning and achievement. No amount of wishing can let us transfer some of our own time here to our teddy bear of a brother. You had such a quick brain and despite constant pleading from so many of us, could not restrict your project or vision list. Always late, always involved in another project or distraction. You could be quite frustrating to be around at times but always always magnanimous, generous, altruistic, and loving to a fault. It was quite difficult to keep up with the plans and dreams but over many mumbled phone conversations I tried and would pretend I understood trying desperately to ask pertinent and knowledgeable questions. I don’t think you were ever fooled with my pretence. I miss you so so much, but feel blessed that we were born into a very loving family and had the time we did together and without the knowledge of the heartache that was to come so suddenly last month. Love you Glen x

So sorry to lose such a great guy-Ross I didn't know you for long, but the impact you made was vast. Your support for a new local initiative for our youth from behind the scenes was instrumental in the successes we are seeing -thank you Ross x Condolences to all the family Much love Liz Carrington

Business associate, fellow traveller, sidekick and general partner in crime, with 40 years of close friendship thrown in, and lots of highs and lows along the way. So many happy and fun times we have had, it's so hard to believe you are gone. A kind, humorous and generous man whose life has been cruelly cut short. We were so fortunate to have had you in our lives. Forever "Brothers in Arms". Farewell, until we meet again Amigo. Love always, Candy and Lyall McGee.(Love and respect also sent from your friends Suzanne and David Murrell, USA)

Sorry to hear that Ross has Passed. Thinking of you all. Love and Best wishes. The Houston's, Hastings. Zelda, Jenni and Mark xxx

You know what we shared and meant to each other over all these years. I love and miss you more each day, your soulmate. Robyn

Rossiter, It is said that brothers are woven from the same cloth on the same loom, and it is always so, regardless of the different tapestries they embroider over the years. I always took comfort knowing that we shared that fabric woven by our loving parents – that you were there throughout my life as a constant, regardless of time or distance; an unquestioned rock should any tragedy occur. My big brother. It is true that the tapestry you created had a warmth, vibrancy, breadth and richness of colour like no other before. You were a remarkable man; a unique union of huge heart and intrepid spirit. Your gregarious heart made you generous, loving and loyal to all, while your soaring spirit gave intelligence and vision beyond the sight of others. Reconciling such heart and spirit in one was always going to be a life-long mission, and just as that elusive harmony between the two finally beaconed and contentment was within reach, the Big Fella called you home. Too soon, Ross, too soon. It is now time to rest; time to fold the arms and eyes and let the projects and visions be; let the spirit settle and the stresses and pains subside; be at peace. You will remain forever in our hearts. I am, and will always be, so proud to be your brother. I love you, big brother. Scott/Dood

Rosco / Uncle Ross, I still can’t believe you are gone. When I think of you I think of Lake Rotoiti. To Kid-Me you were always: late, busy, interesting and generous, with dozens of new and old friends in tow. You knew everyone in Rotorua. You drove big cars and liked things that went fast. You always had great girlfriends, threw great parties and wore great shirts. The cycle seemed to be: stay up late, sleep in, eat something out of a can, make calls, have ideas, see people and then settle into the night to do it all again. You were a kind of Batman + Tasmanian Devil + Doc Brown character to me: speeding through the dark, inventing things and saving people, all with a tornado of dust spinning around you. You totally embodied the eighties for me - bold, bright and full of confidence like a Phil Collins song turned up loud as hell. Kids loved you. You had big ideas, ignored the clock and had a playful, “f*** the rules” kind of spirit. At Mum and Dad’s recent party Bonnie told me “I really like that guy”. She is a party animal too. In this photo you are wearing Wren’s hat and reading her The Little Prince. This quote from the book makes me think of you: “A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.” You were like that - all the rock piles were potential cathedrals. You were, without a doubt, a complicated man. But I will only ever know you through my eyes, as a niece. I am sure you had many sides and even more misadventures and stories I will never know. But what I do know is that if I had really needed you, was lost, miserable or down and out, you would have been there in an instant. You loved us - Kenny and Greg and I - and we loved you. We are heartbroken that you are gone and we miss you. Finally rest, in peace, and know you left a mark on this earth and in our hearts, With love, Hannah x

We are sending a dove to heaven With a parcel on its wings Be careful when u open it It’s full of beautiful things Inside are a million kisses Wrapped up in a million hugs To say how much we miss you And to send you all our love We hold you close within our hearts Where u will always remain To walk with us, throughout our lives Until we meet again You truly were very special to our family RIP our friend, we are shocked and it still hasn’t sunk in ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Unbelievable and shaking my head at this Ross. Many shared laughs, tears, twists and turns we shared. You’re playing with me and the spacebar won’t work?! What? You played life at speed and achieved many things and gained lifelong friends whose hearts are breaking. I still have a key to Del-Boy and lots of great memories roaring round town or to the Dump! The Bus, Mahia and lots of “Come on, I just need to go…” I never knew where we might end up. Rest easy Ross.

We had the pleasure of hosting your son James for a year, and at the end of that year you came for a visit, what fun! Then in January 2020 we came to NZ for a vacation and you were kind enough to loan us a van to sightsee the two islands. We will never forget your friendship and generosity.

Dear friend Ross, You made possible our New Zealand adventure, thanks for that. It was one of most amazing stages at our lives. Thank you very much for your hospitality, your support and your love to our Family. We´ll never forget you, and you will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Have a funny last trip and see you on the other side. Cheers Mate.

I was very lucky to be with Ross for eight years, sharing his ups and downs… We had such a beautiful life together with lots of friends and family around… He showed me the world lots of amazing places… He had a big heart full of love which was spreading to so many people… He was my Ross but he never was mine and anybody’s, he was his own man with the big dreams and big projects in his mind always… He was the love of my life and always will be…

I was very lucky to be with Ross for eight years, sharing his ups and downs… We had such a beautiful life together with lots of friends and family around… He showed me the world lots of amazing places… He had a big heart full of love which was spreading to so many people… He was my Ross but he never was mine and anybody’s, he was his own man with the big dreams and big projects in his mind always… He was the love of my life and always will be…

Rosco! You certainly played life hard and left little in the tank. I enjoyed our meetings and the conversations we would have. You taught us all to have a laugh and enjoy the moment. May you Rest In Peace now mate - put your feet up and I look forward to seeing you again. All the best Matt - Wren - Noa and Bonnie

After knowing Ross for 43 years, he was always such a kind, well respected, fun loving friend. I will always remember him with a smile

Ross, what has brought us together like this, now and in this place? A horrible twist of fate is what it was, life can be so unfair, so disappointing. I thought about coming home so I could attend your farewell in person, but then I thought, what would Ross say about that and who would meet me at the airport… except for the last visit for Mum’s birthday shindig, it used to be you, bro! Distracted, diverted, dare I say it… late a time or two. I am chuckling as I type this out, good memories, good times. I am going to get serious here for a bit, you know just how much you mean to me and my family, a friend, brother, and uncle, you just slotted right in there and we ran with it. We never expected it to end like this, so cruelly and abruptly. So Ross and I had this thing planned, covid ruined it, but we had planned to do a cross-country jaunt. We had so much fun talking about our big adventure, it started in Alaska and ended in Florida, that was the only firm thing about it, the rest was very fluid. We even thought about driving my Alaska truck back down the Alcan highway. Not very sensible but then who wants a sensible adventure, old battered blue truck, neither sensible or stylish. Anyway we would be on the computer checking routes, I would be spending a lot of that time staring at Ross’s ceiling or the top of his head. So many plans now put aside, so much sorrow and heartache my dear friend and brother. You better be there to meet me when its my turn!!

We miss you already..the funtimes chats and phone calls and visits to and from all over the world..the solving of politics.....the business solutions.....and reaching the ultimste goals. May you go well our friend in rest. We will meet again.

A sad time for us all, Ross. You have been a figure in my life for almost 30 years, majority of my life. You were always there to celebrate the highs, birthdays, weddings, christmasses, and comiserate the lows. You are in so many of my major childhood events and memories. We love you. While searching I found this cute photo of me, you and trev from James' 21st that i knew you would like. Xx Beanie

Ross we have shared 51 years of our life’s journey. I have loved seeing you find happiness and the amazing love and support your friends and family gave. You will be forever missed Lyn

While we didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Ross he made a big impression on the various occasions that we did meet up. He would always meet us with a big smile and warm handshake or bear hug. He was very comfortable in his own skin and very welcoming to others. We always enjoyed hearing about his exploits and the latest projects he was working on. You can say about some people that ‘they lived a full life’. Well for Ross that is surely an understatement. He just bubbled with the joys of life and made it that way for those around him too. This makes it even sadder that he has been tragically taken so early. He will always live in our memories. Keith & Adie Tunnicliffe, Sydney

Dear Dad number number 2, I’m going to miss our FaceTime calls, the worldly advice you offered, the wisdom you held and the love you shared for myself and our beloved Rob Dawg. I’ve never seen my Mum so happy and even though you’ve been taken from her I’m glad she got to experience that kind of love and have you hold her heart for the last few years. I’m going to miss you, but I’ll honour every glass of chardy with a little smile of the fond memories we’ve made. Love daughter number 1

Workmate, housemate, friend for so many years. Could always call in and catch up, no matter the time between visits. Thanks for the memories but sadly we won't get the opportunity to tell stories about that great roadtrip. Safe journey our friend. RIP.

Such devastating news to hear of your passing RABELL. You have always been in my life & my families from Hastings, then to Rotoiti/Rotorua you played a huge role in mine & Kate & Laura’s lives! A part of you will remain in my 💔 forever! Rest In Peace my honey & play hard up there!!🎼🎹

One life lived Many lives touched Your loss will be felt by many hearts! Thanks for all those happy fun times you shared with the Grimshaw Family! Much love to your close ones RIP 💛🙏💛

My heart is broken, Ross you were one of a kind. You cared so much about everybody, and were so loved by many. I cannot believe I will never get my hugs again or see your smiling face. 43 years of being my best friend bring many beautiful memories flooding back. My love goes out to Robyn and your family at this tragically sad sad time. You will always have an extra special place within my heart❤️❤️❤️RIP Ross, gone way too soon.

My dear Ross Remembering a friendship that involved quite a few (of us fun loving lot in Hastings) getting together for some amazing shenanigans. They will never be forgotten and always treasured. Your love and passion has continued throughout our lives we've all taken different paths but our lot from yesteryear are still sharing our forever fondness and care at this very sad time. You went too soon dear friend, we are very sad. Rest In Peace Ross. Much love to James, all family, friends and colleagues of this very sad loss. May time heal and find strength in our wonderful memories. Gloria and family XO

We bloom like a flower expressing petels of love to share, when Raindrops falls upon our hearts, your love will always be there

My dear Ross. A delightful generous caring and sometimes crazy friend, flatmate, and landlord who will be missed by so many. My trip home was not supposed to include your funeral. R.I.P