Ross had so many friends all over the world.
And due to the current concerns regarding the outbreak, it is so hard to get together at this moment, and we don't know how long this situation is going to continue. So we created a memorial to celebrate the life of Ross Humphrey. Please feel free to leave any... see moreRoss had so many friends all over the world.
And due to the current concerns regarding the outbreak, it is so hard to get together at this moment, and we don't know how long this situation is going to continue. So we created a memorial to celebrate the life of Ross Humphrey. Please feel free to leave any stories, funny memories or personal thoughts. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
I regret that I just learned today of Ross' passing and I am in disbelief.
It must have been around 1974 that Ross picked up my brother, Dan Roscoe Reece, as he was hitchhiking through Vandalia, Illinois.
During a short conversation Ross related to Dan... moreI regret that I just learned today of Ross' passing and I am in disbelief.
It must have been around 1974 that Ross picked up my brother, Dan Roscoe Reece, as he was hitchhiking through Vandalia, Illinois.
During a short conversation Ross related to Dan that he had encountered a legal problem and was unhappy in Vandalia. My bro then said, well you can get the hell out of here if you want to give me a ride to St. Louis where my brother, Ron (a keyboardist) is in a band and we all live in the band house. I'm sure you could stay with us.
Ross picked up a few things and drove Dan to St. Louis and that is when I met Ross and when his carreer as a music tech professional began.
He stayed with us and started as roadie for our band, Gabriel. He graduated to running sound around the time that I left the band. Later he worked with the St. Louis Shieks and I believe that he moved to New Orleans with them.
I lost touch until I heard that he was with the Blue Man Group. After Ross moved to Japan Gabriel drummer Don Lash asked him to come to St. Louis and and run sound for Gabriel again. I still remember that Ross graciously replied, "Send me the plane ticket."
I can hear Ross' unmistakeable laugh in my ears right now. Overall he was a quiet contemplative soul and really taught me the value of silence and listening.
My girlfriend, Kumiko, lives in Tokyo and we had spoken several times about me coming to Japan after covid and looking Ross and his family up. (Don't put off till tomorrow what you should do today).
I'm very happy for the very full rich life that Ross enjoyed, but I sure wish that I could see him in the flesh again. Chisato and Cocoro, I am so sorry for your loss less
I did not know Ross for very long or very well, but the news of his passing still hurt and I am writing this knowing how many lives Ross touched. I first met Ross through an email, getting his address from a mutual friend when I was planning my first... moreI did not know Ross for very long or very well, but the news of his passing still hurt and I am writing this knowing how many lives Ross touched. I first met Ross through an email, getting his address from a mutual friend when I was planning my first trip to Japan. She told me how great he was and that she was sure he would help answer any of my questions. When I heard of his passing I went back to find the email thread of all my questions and his answers. I had forgotten how many emails we shared, and how in depth he was in his answers, also connecting me with others who may be able to help more. Recommending places to stay, what not to miss, etc. He not only had helped me before I arrived, but was answering questions constantly while we were traveling. Why did he do this for a friend of a friend? As I soon found out it was just who he was. I am grateful I was able to meet him in person and see him doing what he loved at the recording studio. And then able to meet his wonderful wife and daughter in their hometown, share a meal and spend time at their home having a young Cocoro give us the 'tour' of her room. I always thought we would meet again in Hawaii Ross, and maybe one day I will get to help Chisato and Cocoro enjoy Hawaii as much as you helped me to truly experience Japan. Rest in Love, Peace and Aloha! A Hui Hou. less
Chisato Yamamoto
Christen, thank you so much! Made me cry again. I still cannot help crying when I am remembering him. Yes, he always loved to help! That is something he taught Cocoro through his life. He had a really big heart.
With Ross, Chisato and Cocoro in Japan and us living in Brooklyn New York, we were physically distant but the friendship and love shared between us and our daughters began the moment we met. We all shared a love of cooking and spending time together and... moreWith Ross, Chisato and Cocoro in Japan and us living in Brooklyn New York, we were physically distant but the friendship and love shared between us and our daughters began the moment we met. We all shared a love of cooking and spending time together and sharing stories. I still remember a pepper he slowly simmered in olive oil creating a delicious tapas. Frying oysters and learning to make sushi with a nice glass of sake food was our shared passion. The overwhelming love and devotion he had for Chisato, Cocoro, his family and friends. He always told me “Chisato was the best thing that ever happened to him and how he never imagined to be so lucky to have a daughter”. And while Japan seemed far away from the life he had led, he got to be with the two people he loved most.
His passing seems so impossible, but his friendship, talent, and memory will be with us forever. We miss our friend. less
Chisato Yamamoto
This photo was taken last winter, he was battling with cancer but he enjoyed working on the album with a local band.
May 14, 2020
Jamie Michaud
Thank you for sharing this photo. The cancer changed the way he looked, but he was still Ross and his spirit shows through in this photo. I know how much you miss him. You and Cocoro are always in my heart.
Jamie Michaud
Thank you for these photos of Ross and Cocoro; I love them all. Each photo shows the profound love between the two of them. I know that being a father was Ross's greatest joy, and he lives on in Cocoro.
I met Ross in 1995 somewhere in the Midwest, when I was touring as a vendor on the Lollapalooza tour. Neither of us were working at Blue Man yet. He was a beacon of joyful and friendly ease in a sea of of sweltering humans during one of the most... moreI met Ross in 1995 somewhere in the Midwest, when I was touring as a vendor on the Lollapalooza tour. Neither of us were working at Blue Man yet. He was a beacon of joyful and friendly ease in a sea of of sweltering humans during one of the most outrageous heatwaves in the midwest. We made no money selling anything during this heat wave, and my friend and I would bum rides on his golf cart he had privy to, in order to ride over to the $5.00 burritos cart. My friend and i would split one for dinner, I believe he felt bad for us and bought us one so we didn't have to split. Ahhhh....We were all just kids back then. And we didn't stay in touch but then fast forward, Ross appears at Blue Man Group and it was such a great surprise! I can remember, the day he was in the theatre, and said, Hi Ela, and we were like how funny, We are both working here? And then to grow up into adults and have kids at the same time. All the memories with our little babies and parties in Southold....Ross always had a smile, always a hug and always bright with stories. Here's a photo of Ross (far left) and a bunch of us together in Washington Square Park with our new babies. I remember plopping Dash into his lap, and I love that he is holding our kiddo for us , while still holding onto Cocoro, and the look they are giving each other is priceless.
With so many fond memories,
Big smile, big hug back to you dear Ross!
We love you so!
Ela, Randall Dash and India Jaynes less
When Ross was born in 1954, my family lived directly across the street from the Humphrey family in Bloomington, Illinois, so I have known him since he was born. Ross's mom and my mom were great friends, and Ross and Mike were like my brothers because I... moreWhen Ross was born in 1954, my family lived directly across the street from the Humphrey family in Bloomington, Illinois, so I have known him since he was born. Ross's mom and my mom were great friends, and Ross and Mike were like my brothers because I had no siblings. I was 4 years older than Ross and 4 years younger than Mike. When our mothers got together for coffee and conversation at one house or the other, I was in charge of keeping Ross entertained. Our friendship continued even after the Humphreys moved to southern Illinois, and we often visited them in St. Elmo and Vandalia. When I went off to college, Ross was in high school, and we lost contact with each other, although my mother would often update me on where Ross was in the world. Facebook brought us back together in 2014, and I had the chance to re-connect with Ross in person in 2016 at Mike's memorial service and to meet the loves of Ross's life, Chisato and Cocoro. Ross will always be in my heart, my honorary little brother. less
I met Ross in 1983, shortly after joining the Humphrey family via Ross's brother, Michael. The lifestyle Ross led was intriguing to me and I loved hearing stories about his travels and adventures. Michael and I moved West and lived in remote locations... moreI met Ross in 1983, shortly after joining the Humphrey family via Ross's brother, Michael. The lifestyle Ross led was intriguing to me and I loved hearing stories about his travels and adventures. Michael and I moved West and lived in remote locations that Ross seemed to find refreshing when he visited. Michael and Ross could push each other's buttons and both could be jerks, but over the years they grew closer and more able to appreciate each other.
I always enjoyed food with Ross, whether it was talking about what to have for dinner, fixing it, eating it, or sharing memories of previously eaten meals. The man could cook and some of my favorite recipes are from Ross.
We were so happy when Ross and Chisato got married and welcomed Cocoro to the world. When they moved to Japan, the visits were less frequent, but always treasured for bringing family together.
Over the years, Ross became a good friend, and in some ways like the brother I never had. We had some awesome conversations over the years. After Michael died, it meant so much that Ross And I kept the conversations going.
Ross, you will be missed. You faced your illness with grace. Peace.