- 77 years old
- Date of birth: Dec 22, 1932
- Date of passing: Sep 26, 2010
 |
I will close my eyes here, and open them on the other side |  |
This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Reg Ross who was born on December 22, 1932 and passed away on September 26, 2010.
Reg has been around and a part of all of our lives in “Advertising Specialties” for as long as many can remember. It was not until I personally had the incredible pleasure and honor of working with Reg side-by-side these past few years that I really got to know him…I mean really know him. Wow, why did I wait so long? Long story short, I will deeply miss my dearest friend…a more wise and caring person there may never be. For those of us who knew Reg, he was a quiet and very private man…the man many of us came to know and love was like a saint…and very spiritual. During our many talks on long drives, and those times we hung out just to contemplate “the meaning of life”, Reg often said that “he just felt he had not yet left his gift on life yet and wanted to do something meaningful before he moved on”. Can you imagine that? All I could ever say was… “Reg, everyone I have ever known that knows you says the same thing, that you in some great way affected their lives simply by knowing you, and I think that is the greatest gift you can leave anyone.” Reg touched all of us in a magical kind of way, and although his wishes were for none of us to grieve at his passing, or to honor him with any memorial ceremonies, Stacy & Tony Ross thought that it would be okay if we left this little remembrance page as a place that we could all share something about Reg…and lighten our hearts just a little bit from the ache his loss brings. That said, please share your stories and thoughts here for Reg’s family and friends to remember him by…in celebration of his life, share the gift Reg left for you. I will miss you my friend, but never forget you…Victor"The respect I had for Reg from the beginning of our 24 year friendship was immediate and heartfelt. He was the most gentle gentleman I have ever known. His wisdom, grace, genuine concern for others, style and thoughtful conversations are what I will always remember.
I hope Reg knew how much he was loved, respected"
"Reg was one of a kind... a true gentleman....a man of truth and goodness. Never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. He had a gentle spirit and he shared his love of God with me so openly at a wonderful lunch for just the two of us. A time that I treasured then and treasure even more today....God Bless him and may we all learn from his life."
"I was honored to have known Reg Ross, and call him a friend, over the last 10 years since I started my business. To this day there is a standard set by Reg on the promo show circuit.
A Holiday Dinner event at SAAC, a lunch in Van Nuys, Breakfast in Monterey, are just a couple of fond memories with Reg ~ among many . . .
May we all remember the lessons that Reg shared, in his time here with us."
"Reg was one of the first people I met in the industry when I started helping my uncle with the traveling shows in 1997. He was the kindest, gentlest man I had ever met and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He would always listen to what you had to say and when he asked "How are you doing?"...he really cared about the answer. What an unbelievable soul...we love you and I'll miss you Reg!"
"What always impressed me about Reg, was his quiet "professionalism", and his gentle, quiet way of talking with everyone. We became friends late in our careers, but every minute with Reg was a lifetime of good memories. We all, in this wonderful industry of ours, now have an angel looking over us.
Otis Veteto"
"Reading through the many stories and comments, I feel that I indeed now know Reg Ross. He has left a special path of great respect, humility, professionalism and caring. In his memory, I will work hard to "pay it forward" in his honor. Also a White Castle fan, he will also come to mind with each mini-burger. Based on the many reviews, the part Reg played on this earthly stage was the lead!"
"Reg had many gifts that he shared. He always had an inspirational word that reminded you what was really important. He always remembered what mattered to you in your world, asking about your kids, etc. He was a gentleman who always made me feel like a lady. Integrity, passionate, wise in our industry. He fought the good fight but left these gifts behind. I will miss you, my friend."
"I knew instantly when I first met Reg in 1976 that he was a kind and loving man. Glen invited Reg to join us for a jazz concert at the Arch in St. Louis and although Glen was my date, it was Reg that bought a rose for me. Doesn't that say it all? What a gentleman and good friend. "Laura Kay" (as he always called me) will miss him."
"Reg has been a wonderful part of my business career for many years. I always enjoyed our discussions, his insight into the industry, and appreciated his outstanding assistance as a supplier representative.
I and all who knew him well will miss him.
Reg--
Hope you have many great games of raquetball in the "hereafter""
"I met Reg in 1991 when we both were hired at Barton Nelson. That day changed my life. We became instant friends and remained so for these past 20 years. He became one of the three mentors I have enjoyed in my life. He was my compass as I grew in this industry. We talked often and he always treated me like a son rather than a business associate. I hope he knew how very much I admired him."
"I was privileged to have known Reg ever since I entered the industry back around 1974. He was one of about 3-4 people who I always asked for help, guidance and their point of view on various subjects. We spoke about many things during the last two years. I was fortunate to sit with him and Ed Fabish in the lobby of the LBCC on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 for about an hour and we spoke at length."
"I was a lucky person to get to know Reg and to count him as a friend. I came into the industry as a young man and was soon after sent to California for the compnay I was with. I met him on the traveling road shows and soon became close to him. He was always there with a open ear and a kind opinion when you needed it. This is a great loss for all of us... I will miss him dearly."
"Reg was a source of strong spiritual strength during the 24 years we were friends...as challenges were faced, Reg would always bring me back to center each time we spoke. He will leave a hole in many of our hearts as he was truly the 'real deal'. I am blessed that he & Marty will both me looking after me from above now...xs"
"Everyone I saw Reg, he was always in a good mood, truly cared about me and wanted to know how everything was going. He always told me I worked for the best company and everytime he spoke to me, he was always so sincere and thoughtful. Truly one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was a man of class and he loved people. I will miss you Reg."
"I knew Reg for most of my 30 years in Sales with Gill Studios. I had many early morning breakfasts with him and he was so very easy to talk to. He left the same mark on me as he did with others....he was a "class act!"
As I leave this business at the end of next month, I will always have the memories of good friends, and Reg Ross was definitely one of them!"
"I read the news today, oh boy …
What is it about certain songs that make the hair on my arms tingle? I posed this question to a talented musician and old classmate of mine at a recent high school reunion. “It reaches your soul,” Ed replied, looking amazed I could be 58 and yet to figure this out.
And so it rings with certain people. There is just something about them that reaches the soul. In my case, like so many others, I found Reg to be one of those rare birds. He was totally infectious. He had a way of making you believe in mankind in spite of people flying airplanes into buildings. Reg, the perpetual optimist, sold over a million glasses in his lifetime and everyone was half-full.
I knew Reg for only four years. When I hired him in the summer of 2006, I’m sure there were those who questioned the wisdom of hiring a 74-year-old guy who had survived cancer. When we interviewed, however, I knew in an instant he was my man. It took only minutes to discover a man who possessed qualities in abundance: sincerity, class, integrity, wisdom, compassion, love of life and a fire for his profession. The man who was Hollywood-handsome, ironically, was not capable of putting on an act. Reg was Reg. What you saw was what you got.
How could I possibly go wrong hiring this guy? Anyone with charisma of this magnitude would surely open doors for J.Charles and Quarry. Plain and simple, I hired Reg for selfish reasons. It was a business decision based on my sense that Reg could bring us orders. And boy did he!
“It might be the fourth quarter, but it’s first down – I want to go out with a bang!” Those were Reg’s exact words when we interviewed.
Well, Reg, it hurts to say; but the game of life has ended. You’re on the other side of the field now. So let me share your optimism and say that it’s now the first quarter and first down. I will miss you terribly. You were a beautiful human being and eternally a beautiful soul. Thank you for reaching mine, old buddy.
Barry Dyas
J.Charles Crystalworks
President"
"Reggie was our business associate, but more importantly we were honored to have him as our dear friend. He had a zest for life that was infectious to everyone who knew him. A philosophy of life that made the world a better place to live in. We will miss you Reg but your presence will enrich those souls on the other side."
"Reg was a very nice person who always seemed to put you at ease. When you talked to him, he would make you feel like nothing else mattered in the world.
Every time I saw him, he would always ask how my family was doing, and remind me that family was the most important thing.
Reg, have fun in your next adventure and please tell Marty that I say hi."
"Reg was a sales rep at Hazel in CA when I worked in Customer Service back in the late 70's. When Reg spoke to you, he had a way of making you feel you were the most important person in the world. Throughout my career in this industry, Reg has always gone out of his way to be kind. What an example he set.
We are better people because we were lucky to have known him."
"I first met Reggie when I came into the industry in 1986. I agree with Robert Collins, Reggie told me in one of our first if not our first conversation was: "Kid you can do great things in this industry by being honest and up front with your clients, colleagues and suppliers." Reggie- you were loved very much and will be greatly missed."
"I only worked with Reg for the last three years but it seemed like I knew him for most of my life. He was often the voice of reason, and always a gentleman. That is the highest compiment I can give a man. Although we lived accross the country from each other we did keep in touch often. It was an honor to know him and I will miss him. As he would say God Bless and we'll meet on the other side. RIP"
"Class. Sheer, effortless class. That was Reg. He loved classic movies and we always discussed them when we saw each other. A few years back I was Groucho at a sales event with a movie theme and he LOVED it. Every time I saw him after that, EVERY TIME, he'd say, "Rick, do Groucho for me. Just one line." And I always did. For Reg. Check out my Reg story on the story page."
"Reg was the first to extend his hand to help me when I started in the business. His advice to me was (and I live by it) "Say what you do, and do what you say. Always tell the truth no matter what. Be honest"
He was a gentleman's gentleman. He was a colleague,a mentor and friend. We all will truly miss him."
"Gentleman Reg, a friend for over 25 years always had that certain style, his clothes, his tie, his manner. He was always soft spoken and well....just stylish. Reg always had a smile, a warm handshake, a good story or two. The Latin origin of Reginald is "rulers' advisor"...so Reg, here is hoping you give em all in heaven some good advice on how to dress and act a gentleman. God speed to you Reg."
"Reg was one of the first reps I met when I came into the industry twenty years ago. He was then and remained one of the loveliest gentlemen I've ever met. On my desk is a paperweight that says "Behind every successful woman is herself". When he gave that to me he said that he knew I was one of those women. His faith in me meant the world. Godspeed my friend."
"Reg became my friend in the winter of 1973 when we were classmates in the CAS program at the University of Wisconsin. Year after year, his authentic, sincere smile was always a reminder of our great mutual respect and admiration. This is a man who set a standard for professionalism and character that will always come to mind at the mention of his name."
"Reg was a classy man who respected everyone he came into contact with and in turn received respect from business associates, friends and any person who was blessed to know him.
He was friend and business associate to me and more importantly he showed me how to live life everyday with vigor right to the end. I will miss you Reg as all of us will."
Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications when others contribute to this memorial.
Have a suggestion for us?