Ross Michael Brereton Barlow
July 16, 1992 - May 4, 2014
Obituary
Ross Michael Brereton Barlow, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on May 4, 2014 in Portland, Maine.
Ross was born in La Canada Flintridge, California on July 16, 1992, a first generation American of South African heritage. Ross was primarily raised in Seattle, having moved to Mercer Island in time to start Kindergarten at Lakeridge Elementary. Ross was the embodiment of a Northwest kid – he was an avid outdoorsman who could be found tearing up the slopes on his snowboard all winter long; and hiking and boating on any sunny day. Every summer he particularly enjoyed exploring the San Juan Islands and Desolation Sound on his family’s boat. He graduated from Eastside Catholic High School in 2011, where he was a 3-Year Letterman on the football team, and a popular member of the student body, being voted “Best Sense of Humor” his senior year. Ross also had an innate gift for working with special needs children, volunteering for the Options Program at ECHS for two years. He took his passion for football to The University of Redlands, where he was a warrior on the field, and a 6’3” 275lb gentle giant off the field.
Ross was the adored younger brother of two older sisters, Fiona and Lisa. He often felt as though he was raised by three mothers, of which he took full advantage.
Ross is described by his family as their gift and their joy; someone who made their family special and complete. Ross loved his family, and was an extremely devoted uncle to his 2 year old nephew, William. His passing prompted a moving response from his friends and family, who described him as “one of the funniest and most lovable guys out there,” a “mentor,” and a cherished friend, whose ability to bring laughter to others left a lasting and memorable impact. As a leader at Eastside Catholic’s Destiny retreat, Ross was described by his teachers and friends as extremely “gentle and compassionate” and “devoted to helping others.” Ross was a life-long Seahawks fan, and the quintessential “12th Man.” Attending the Super Bowl in New York with his family and watching his team dominate is a very special memory.
He is survived by his parents, Gubby and Gillian Barlow, sisters Lisa Schmit and Fiona Watson, brothers-in-law Edward Schmit and Court Watson, nephew William Watson, as well as his much loved extended family in South Africa and the UK , including 14 uncles and aunts, and 16 cousins. Services to be held at: 2:00 PM on May 13, 2014, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer Island.
Good memories, laughs and times shared. God bless.
Gubby and Gillian – I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what you are going through and feeling.
If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Sue
Dear Gubby and Gillian and family,
We are so saddened by the news of Ross.
Our deepest most sincere sympathy goes out to you all at this very difficult time. You are In our thoughts and we pray that you gain comfort from the love and support of one another.
Much love from Helen and Rob MacDonald
( Rogers daughter )
Gubby, Gillian Lisa and Fiona,
Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you at this time! We pray that our Lord will wrap His arms around each of you and bring light, love and hope into the darkness.
We are ALL God’s sheep and perhaps John 10:27-29 might be an appropriate scripture to give you hope:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
With all our Love
Tom & Sara
Dear Gubby and Gillian,
We are heartbroken for you and your whole family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this extremely sad and difficult time. My memory of Ross is as a little boy sick in the hotel in Cancun and bringing him lunch.He grew into a beautiful young man!
Judi & Greg Hahnel
Gubby and Family
We were sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Although we did not know Ross, he sounds like someone who lived life to the fullest, every day. May the many special memories he created for you bring you some comfort in this difficult time.
Dear Jill, Gubby and family… i am so sad to hear this news and would you like you to know how much you are in my thoughts and prayers… Much love mary Mitchell
So sorry read of this passing.