It doesn't seem possible that three years have passed since Ross left his earthly life. I will always smile when I see his photo--he brought that beautiful spirit to everyone he came in contact with. God bless you Colby, Eschen & Sagan each and every day. He loved you with all his heart and if love could have saved him, he would have lived forever. May he rest in eternal peace.

On this second anniversary of his passing, I continue to think of Ross each and every day. I treasured all of our conversations. It didn't matter if we were just catching up and laughing or having a serious discussion, Ross always left me feeling more positive. He always left a positive emotional wake behind. Ross helped me through a few challenging episodes in my life and when confronting challenges today, I often find myself asking "What would Ross suggest?" I will always remember Ross and the gift of his friendship. His memory will always remind me of the power that kindness and gratitude can have in making a positive impact.

Oh what the next 50 years could have brought. Gentleman, scholar, story teller, always so interested and interesting. Gone, but certainly not forgotten. We miss your smile, my Friend!

Hello fans of Ross. I am happy to share scant memories of a year spent in awe of Ross in his first year of university, sharing a tiny room in Studley House, a name that I distinctly remember Ross making fun of. (Even though let’s face it, Ross was a stud.)

Ross and I participated in a frosh week hazing next to one another, which if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t skip- it was harmless. Ross and I ended up wearing garbage bags in a room centred around garbage cans, forced to pound liquor and eat McDonalds food to a soundtrack of sheep being very talkative. I remember Ross assuring me he would pull the plug if it came to actually fucking sheep. Ross had my back, early.

We quickly established habits. Me, smoking pot out the window of our tiny room, Ross studying feet away. Soon he leaves the room, allowing me my vices. Ross had an incredible schedule designed for success at a high level: Early study, class, eat, exercise, wash stuff, more study, shop for orange juice, study again, talk with Kai, and early sleep. I loved our talks. We explored incredible subjects from a myriad of perspectives. Ross was the smartest person I’d ever met. 

Ross was interested in getting to know me. I was, and am an open book. The result was intoxicating, and we laughed a lot. Ross quickly revealed many things about me I had never considered. All of his insights were incredibly helpful and generous.  I was new to him and he set to understanding me on the deepest of levels, to my benefit. It didn’t surprise me when he earned a 99 percent in Philosophy 101, submitted his portfolio to Concordia University in Montreal, and said goodbye at the end of the year.  Of course I never let Ross alone, visiting him in Montreal, Toronto and Philadelphia before our last Facetime call months before his death, many years later.

Love you Ross, and may our chats be recorded in the great canons of the universe!

A certain amount of acceptance is required to write a tribute and it has taken me some time to get there. My friendship with Ross began nearly 30 years ago when we started our undergraduate degree in Communication Studies at Concordia University in Montreal. Our program was a mindful blend of critical theory and creative applications. I remember that we quickly bonded over Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth. We spent many hours at the university pub having soul filling conversation over terrible draft beer. I knew that Ross lived far from home and I invited to him to take a two hour train ride and join my family for Thanksgiving. Ross easily became family and over the last year, we have all communed in sharing our memories and grief. Graduations, relationships, marriage, weddings, babies. naming ceremonies, academic and work trials, triumphs and more. All of the things that give us reason to celebrate connection. In his death, I find the highest reason to celebrate connection because, like many, I am a better person because of Ross. To listen and watch him journey in a beautiful partnership with Colby and even more, in fatherhood, was such a gift. There is so much more to say but I will leave this with one of my favourite memories. In university, we were roommates for a time and one day I was listening to music in my room , not knowing that he was enjoying it also. He called out in gratitude with my song selections. The next track was Angel of Harlem by U2. We have a shared love of all things U2 and Bono. He came in to my room, jumping and dancing and changing the lyrics from Angel of Harlem to Angela Wilkins (my maiden name). He then proceeded to jump on my bed and dance and laugh and shout new lyrics with some degree of rhythm and rhyme, his blonde hair flying and a smile radiating across his face. Joseph Campbell said 'The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.' My honour and my privilege was calling this extraordinary human a friend and I will miss him so very much. 

Ross was an incredible neighbor and friend. Whenever I would come back from NY or from traveling I would get together with Ross and chat about all of the adventures. He had tons of stories to share and great perspective to offer. There was nobody that would listen like the way Ross would. We could sit and have drinks and talk for hours. 
When my dad passed away Ross was there for me everyday. He would have me over to talk just so things could be normal...it was like walking out of a black hole when I would hang out with Ross. I will never forget his friendship. A truly great man. 

Simple yet eloquent. Plain yet extraordinary

I, along with four other Penn Staters, traveled to London with Ross on an academic/career development trip. While we had a phenomenal visit in every way, the most memorable part of it was when we returned to a snowstorm and had to stay overnight close to the Phila airport. We had a choice to take the last bus back to the airport but were told the roads were extremely hazardous. Ross indicated that he promised Eschen and Sagan that he would be there when they awakened in the morning and he was determined to keep his promise. He got to the airport and got on the last train home. He trudged through the sloppy snow sans boots and got home before they woke up. I never forgot the love and dedication he had for his family. He was a prince among men and an extraordinary friend & colleague. May he rest in eternal peace.

Thank you Ross for being a question asker. In 1999 when I was meeting Drew’s extended family, I received a warm welcome from everyone. As Drew is Colby’s cousin, Ross greeted me with, “Welcome to the family from one outsider who married in to another”. That recognition of connection warmed my heart and put me at ease. As different family members milled about talking and joking, falling into family rhythms, and trying to stumble out of other ones, Ross began asking questions about me: background, major in college, why I chose my major, what I thought of my current employment, what were my dreams for the future. Some questions were a bit uncomfortable, but it prompted me to examine what I did think and believe about a topic. I appreciated the ask. He was direct with a smile, and I loved that.
As we were grieving with Colby, Eshen and Sagan during the final days of Ross’s journey on earth, I inquired from our kids what they remembered about Ross. Their answers were similar to mine. A few years ago at a Thanksgiving family gathering, Ross sought out our then teen and tween. He sat and spoke with each one amidst all the bustle of holiday preparations. He asked each individually what they were passionate about and what they thought about this or that. Each of our kids remembered his intentionality and that he respected them as individual human beings, not just kids.
I’d only been in the presence of Ross a handful of times, but those were memorable, and I’m grateful.

I first met Ross in 1979 in White Rock, BC. We were on the same T-ball team, and I was the only girl on the team. That was the first year they allowed girls to play, and each team got one girl. All of the boys on the team were NOT happy to have me there, except for Ross. He was so friendly and kind.

Fast-forward to 1984. Ross and I are attending the same High School. We were in a few classes together and always got along. He was incredibly bright and interesting! He left in 1989 to go on exchange to South Africa, so we did not graduate together.

Fast-forward to 1992. I'd been attending Concordia University for one year already and was starting the Communications program. Who walks in but Ross! We had no idea we were going to the same school! We were fast-friends again and loved hanging out and sharing stories. We worked on school projects together-he was a fantastic writer, and I was very good at all the hands-on visual stuff. The year I moved "home" to BC, Ross travelled by plane and brought my cat Yeti back for me and took her to my parents' home.

Ross introduced me to Colby in the '90s, and I could see how perfect they were for each other. I was lucky enough to be invited to their wedding at UBC, one of the most beautiful ceremonies I've ever attended.

Over the years, Ross and I would connect, in-person, when he was in BC, via telephone or email and, most recently, Facetime. We always chatted about ideas. Like so many have shared, he always gave his full attention to you, asked interesting questions and was so open about sharing his experiences and having thoughtful responses. He was such a champion for me when I went through some difficult times, always encouraging me to follow my dreams.

Ross is one of the most beautiful souls I've ever had the gift of knowing. I will miss him dearly but know that somewhere our paths may cross again.

I am sending all my love to Colby, Eshen and Sagan.

I met Ross in 2012, when I was appointed to the Program Coordinator's position at Penn State Lehigh Valley. I reached out to Ross as we were only the second campus to add Corporate Communication to our growing list of degree programs. One of the things that really interested me to be involved in the program was the innovative and powerful curriculum. Ross was always so helpful and congenial to us in our efforts to add this program to our campus. His help was immense.

Very soon after we implemented our program, Ross approached us with some proposed changes to the degree program which he was working on diligently. Dr. Kasey Hudak and I visited the Abington campus to learn more about the changes and quickly realized that they made a wonderful degree program even better than I could imagine. True to Ross' nature of inclusion and cooperation, he invited us to suggest additional changes to the new program.

Later, he was incredibly helpful in the development of a Corporate Communication Minor. Now the degree program which started on the Abington campus, thanks to Ross' brilliance, has grown to include ten campuses. I know that the program will continue to thrive and grow to include many more.

His incorporation of the valuable improvements to the degree program impressed me greatly, but Ross' collegiality, cooperation and very kind-hearted helpfullness were the hallmarks of his character and are equally important to my memory of Dr. Ross Brinkert.

Thanks, Ross. I know that you will be greatly missed by everyone whose life you touched.

Ross was one of the most beautiful and brightest souls I will ever be blessed to have known. Not only was he a colleague, but more importantly he was a friend. I knew I liked Ross the minute I met him- not just because of the warm smile on his face but because of the beautiful bright glistening aura that radiated from him. I told him this :) I appreciated just the conversations we had, the way he thought about things, and how he loved to share his wisdom and insight. I loved watching how his students adored him and learned so much from him. I left Abington in 2016, but we always kept in touch. Throughout his illness he listened to new age spiritual ramblings and he never judged me. He really listened, never judged me, and I hope some of what I shared with him helped him through the battle. His love for his three girls was beautiful and pure and beyond compare. We have all suffered a great loss, but none like his three girls have. But at the end of the day how blessed we all were to know this great human being- and his three girls will always have him watching over them, celebrating them, and they will always be his girls. True love never dies.

I first met Ross in the 2014 Business Meeting of the Training and Development Division (T&D) of the National Communication Association (NCA). I was a graduate student attending this NCA conference for the first time. There was something about Ross that made you feel safe and welcomed even in the most anxious moment. I had the privilege to get to know him more closely over the years we served the T&D Division together. Ross saw greatness in every person, and you knew that, with him, your voice counted, and you would always have a spot to shine.

I still remember our conversation in 2017 when I was an incoming co-chair and his mentoring program co-founder. Ross asked me for just one thing and that was to keep the mentoring program going. He wanted division members, especially graduate students and early-career people, to be supported and feel included in our division. Words can't describe how grateful I am for his mentorship, friendship, and support for my career. Our memories will always live fondly and vividly in my heart. Till we meet again, Dear Ross.

Doctor Ross Brinkert. Three words that I learned during my college years and had no idea that they would follow me far beyond the walls of Penn State Abington. 

Last week, I read the news that would break my heart. It took me this long to even try to find the words to describe what an impact this man has had on my life.

Dr. Brinkert fondly introduced himself as “Ross” many years ago as I first sat in one of his classes. It was obvious to me from that very moment that he was different. Ross was so intelligent. I took every class I could with him. He never preached to his students. Instead, he shared real life stories, many of which included skiing, his parents, his siblings, his wife Colby and his daughters, Eshen and Sagan. His smile would brighten up any room, ESPECIALLY when he talked about his family.

He would often come watch basketball games and although, I was the one wearing the cheerleading uniform, it was always evident to me that Ross was the one cheering for all of us. 

Ross spent countless hours helping me write my resume through the years. Before we ever got to resume writing, he would spend so much time asking me about my life, my family and my goals.

Even after graduating Penn State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Corporate Communication, Ross encouraged my decision to obtain a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. And even after that, he continued to root for me as I obtained a Mortuary Degree to become a larger part of my family’s business. I so often referred to him as my “life coach.” 

Ross believed in me even when I did not believe in myself. I really thought that I was his absolute favorite student and then soon realized that he had a way of making everyone feel so incredibly important in this world. There’s a song by Brad Paisley called Letter to Me. There is one part in there that always reminds me of Ross. I have always changed the lyrics and sang it as, “You should really thank Dr. Brinkert. He spends so much extra time. It’s like he sees the diamond underneath and he’s polishing you til you shine.”

Even after Ross got sick and I would send him messages to check in, he would respond telling me how grateful he was to have known me all these years. He would continue by saying that I am a wonderful person, surrounded by wonderful people, including my wonderful family. In the last months of his life, he was complimenting me. Wow. As one of his friends stated during the service, Ross was in a league of his own.

As I watched his memorial via Zoom, I sobbed my eyes out for not only a professor that I had while in college, but for a man who grew to be a mentor and a friend. My heart breaks for his girls. I have no doubt that his goodness has certainly rubbed off on all of them. I am one of many people that will never forget Ross. I will continue to think of him every single day and hear his voice encouraging me on my journey.

Ross, I wish you all the holes in one your heart desires in your next chapter. Thank you for all of your words of wisdom and for your never ending belief in me. The world is surely a much better place because Dr. Ross Brinkert was in it. And his beauty will continue to thrive because he left an amazing legacy behind.

Ross was one of the most kind hearted people, I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Our connection was from Penn State Abington where we worked together for several years and supported each other while we were on the tenure track.

The last message I received from him was in July, congratulating me on my new position. We were supposed to catch up but God had another plan. While my heart is broken, I am praying for his family and friends. I am forever positively transformed from knowing him and so grateful that he was in my life.

Hard to find words to write.. Like so many, I am one of a large football field sized crowd that has been impacted by Ross. I relate to other students who have shared their stories and thoughts of his passing, and it is humbling in a way to realize that Ross made us all feel like we were special. I know I wasn’t alone in having a bond with him, but I still hold onto it as a singular, special, untouchable thing. Ross was my professor, thesis advisor, mentor and friend. He exuded what he practiced, but we all know this. We kept in touch throughout the years and I have the pangs of regret of not checking in more often. But, I don’t think he would want us to be sad. This is feeling like a diary entry at this point, but good to write the words. Ross, you will be forever and ever missed, and your mark on this world will forever and ever be felt. With gratitude, Courtney Foley (Greenberg)

I met Ross, Colby and the girls through my husband, Marty Zied - their connection was through Penn State Abington. I didn't see Ross that often, but when I think of him these words come to mind...kind, gentle, interested, interesting, curious, happy, engaged, mentor. Someone like Ross will be missed regardless of how long or close the connection...he was that remarkable. There are not many people about whom I can say, "The world was made a better place because Ross was in it." Rest in peace...

Ross was the most positive and kind person anyone could ever meet. I feel so fortunate that I got to have him as a professor at Penn State Abington. My deepest sympathies to his entire family. He will be missed by many.

When I think of Ross it takes me back 30 years to 1989 and being an exchange student in Lesotho. Ross was a Canadian and part of my district in South Africa, so we were thrown together several times a year to see parts of Southern Africa. Even at 17 Ross was formidable. The first thing you noticed about Ross was with a huge white teethy smile and easy-going friendly nature. Us Aussies were drawn to him instantly. He made us all feel at ease when we were all struggling with the usual teenage fears. The second thing you saw in Ross was a great sense of humour. The greatest thing to come out of that year in Africa was the love that blossomed between Ross and fellow exchange student Colby. Colby, Eshen and Sagan I am deeply sorry for your loss. He was inspiring even from Australia via Facebook. I loved his attitude, his ability to be positive about everything and I aspire to be just a little like him moving forward. I have not seen him in 30 years but sometimes in a short time people can make a huge impression on you - he was such a man.

Dr. Brinkert was one of the very first professors I encountered after starting college again after a 5-year gap year. His sheer positivity in telling me Corporate Communication is my path during my tour was where the journey started.

I knew I wanted to get my degree within 2 years not 4, and many people didn’t believe it was to be possible. But Dr. Brinkert believed, and I believed in myself more thanks to having his support. But honestly, it wouldn’t have been possible without him. Right before my last semester at Penn State Abington, Dr. Brinkert and I sat down and were looking at my roster. We realized I had one more class to take. That would have made 7 classes instead of 6 for my last semester. I was so close to that finish line. And it wasn’t impossible, but I knew it would be a lot on my plate already, and Dr. Brinkert immediately turned to his phone and was like, “Don’t worry I got this.” He called up the registrar and completely eliminated the class for me by allowing me to work on an independent study with him. It is one of my favorite memories with Dr. Brinkert, but I have many many more to cherish!

You see, Dr. Brinkert was the epitome of intentional living. I started to look on the bright side and have more gratitude for the present moment because he was always expressing his own. It rubbed off on me, but it was a good thing. I feel blessed to have been in his presence. I am still amazed, honored, and humbled by having to have known him. He was just that amazing of a person. I’m forever grateful for all that he’s done for me. I’m so glad to have kept in touch as much as possible. I’m so glad I was able to properly thank him for all that he’s done for me, and I know I won’t ever stop because he’s done so much for me even up until the last few months.

The fact he cared about you, genuinely was interested and left you with words of support and encouragement. He was a cheerleader for many students even before they realized the potential he saw in each and every one of them. All that he has shared with me, told me, and spoke to me about will carry through with me through the rest of my journey. I want to make him proud and really live up to what he saw in me, but also for all the help he’s provided me with.

The way he spoke, taught, and carried himself...just goes to show how many lives he impacted little or big. He was more than a professor to me, he was a role model and a mentor. But I know for a fact I’m not the only one who feels that way.

I'm a friend of Ross's oldest brother, Rich. Ross was 7 years younger than me. I happened to be over at their home one day when Ross was maybe 10 or 11. Ross knew I was into computers, and when he saw me, he ran up and asked me a bunch of questions about what computer I had, why I liked it, how hard it was to program, and other questions I no longer remember. Satisfied after some back-and-forth, he thanked me and ran off.

I remember being surprised and impressed by his curiosity, maturity, the structured framing of his questions, and the fact that he thanked me (ok - I'm sure I didn't think those precise words back then, but that’s how I remember it now). I haven't seen Ross for decades, but every time Rich has mentioned him in the intervening years, my mind has jumped back to that encounter. Today's celebration reinforced that the kind curiosity and energy that I was privileged to experience in Early Ross were permanent and defining characteristics of Later Ross. 

I got a glimpse today of how he's influenced so many lives for the good. That is truly worth celebrating! Thank you for allowing us to be with you today to share in that celebration.