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Mark Stephen Ross

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Mark Stephen Ross

Birth
Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, USA
Death
15 Oct 2016 (aged 54)
Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, USA
Burial
Burial Details Unknown Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Mark Stephen Ross

August 31, 1962

October 15, 2016

There are some people who just know how to connect with others despite language barriers and differences. Mark was one of those incredible human being. For those of us who knew him we are so very grateful for the opportunity to have shared some of his life experiences.

Mark was born in Las Vegas, NV. During his first days of life he suffered damage to his brain resulting in cerebral palsy and deafness. His disabilities resulted in many health issues and injuries, time and time again, yet he bounced back with resiliency and a zest for life. One might think his life was very hard. Mark didn't see it that way. His sense of humor and eagerness to make new friends, resulted in many wonderful experiences both for Mark and for those whom he met on his journey. For many years he traveled the city using the RTC transit system and Mark knew every route and on some days, he walked 6 or 7 miles. He had a remarkable sense of direction. Mark loved to travel and be part of family vacations, reunions and celebrations.

Despite his challenges, Mark fiercely valued his independence. This showed up in his passion to live independently as possible and in his insistence that the world would be a better place with his ideas. Although his education was limited, he followed the news and made his concerns known. He truly was a self-advocate.

As the years passed, his body began to decline, limiting his connection to the community and requiring more assistance. On October 13 Mark experienced his last seizure-induced fall resulting in injuries that could not be repaired. As strong and courageous as he was through his many injuries, he will no longer endure the pain he had so long experienced.

He is survived by his Mother, Diane Ross; Father, Steve Ross; three sisters, Jo Ann Blake, Judy Ross and Kathy Schmidt; nieces and nephews, Karlie Blake, Stephen Blake, Terra Schmidt and Adam Schmidt, brother in law's Terry Schmidt and Danny Blake, and so many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his step father and mentor Jerry Cruitt.

Many thanks to Jesse his special caregiver, the other caregivers that preceded Jessie, and Sylvie Smith, CEO of Care Services of Nevada, Kim his interpreter, Dr. Young and Staff and to all the people and organizations that helped to provide services that allowed Mark to live on his own terms for so many years. And thanks to all the individuals in our community that were able to see Mark beyond his disabilities and embrace him as a friend. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you celebrate diversity, love, peace, and that you be an advocate for the developmentally disabled and for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Pinocchio's Bar and Grill, 4820 Vista Blvd. Sparks, Nevada 89436 1 PM to 3 PM.
Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Oct. 30, 2016
Mark Stephen Ross

August 31, 1962

October 15, 2016

There are some people who just know how to connect with others despite language barriers and differences. Mark was one of those incredible human being. For those of us who knew him we are so very grateful for the opportunity to have shared some of his life experiences.

Mark was born in Las Vegas, NV. During his first days of life he suffered damage to his brain resulting in cerebral palsy and deafness. His disabilities resulted in many health issues and injuries, time and time again, yet he bounced back with resiliency and a zest for life. One might think his life was very hard. Mark didn't see it that way. His sense of humor and eagerness to make new friends, resulted in many wonderful experiences both for Mark and for those whom he met on his journey. For many years he traveled the city using the RTC transit system and Mark knew every route and on some days, he walked 6 or 7 miles. He had a remarkable sense of direction. Mark loved to travel and be part of family vacations, reunions and celebrations.

Despite his challenges, Mark fiercely valued his independence. This showed up in his passion to live independently as possible and in his insistence that the world would be a better place with his ideas. Although his education was limited, he followed the news and made his concerns known. He truly was a self-advocate.

As the years passed, his body began to decline, limiting his connection to the community and requiring more assistance. On October 13 Mark experienced his last seizure-induced fall resulting in injuries that could not be repaired. As strong and courageous as he was through his many injuries, he will no longer endure the pain he had so long experienced.

He is survived by his Mother, Diane Ross; Father, Steve Ross; three sisters, Jo Ann Blake, Judy Ross and Kathy Schmidt; nieces and nephews, Karlie Blake, Stephen Blake, Terra Schmidt and Adam Schmidt, brother in law's Terry Schmidt and Danny Blake, and so many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his step father and mentor Jerry Cruitt.

Many thanks to Jesse his special caregiver, the other caregivers that preceded Jessie, and Sylvie Smith, CEO of Care Services of Nevada, Kim his interpreter, Dr. Young and Staff and to all the people and organizations that helped to provide services that allowed Mark to live on his own terms for so many years. And thanks to all the individuals in our community that were able to see Mark beyond his disabilities and embrace him as a friend. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you celebrate diversity, love, peace, and that you be an advocate for the developmentally disabled and for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Pinocchio's Bar and Grill, 4820 Vista Blvd. Sparks, Nevada 89436 1 PM to 3 PM.
Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Oct. 30, 2016

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