Ross touched my heart. We got to know each other through meditation and worked together at a Veterans Yoga Project Retreat. 
I will miss his soul here on earth but know that I will be able to connect with him in my spiritual practice.

Judy and Terry shocked to here.  It has been a long time since I’ve been around the neighborhood, living in NYS for the last 25 years.  Kyle informed me....I really liked Mark... everyone did, great kid.  He will be missed.

I just saw this Obituary for Mark Ross today. I don't know why...but something told me to google him up...and I found this Obituary immediately. The world seems like an emptier place now that Mark is gone. I'm still trying to mentally and emotionally process the reality of this situation in my mind and heart. I felt very sad for Mark Ross recently, with the unhappy situation that he faced in recent years. Mark Ross was one of the best martial artists that I ever knew and I learned a lot from him. Sadly...I don't feel that I was able to give him anything of value back in return...and that is sad. I don't think that my life will ever be the same now that I know that Mark Ross is gone forever. A light...however bright or dim that light might have been...is now darkened forever. I just wish that I was able to give Mark Ross something of value like he gave me (whether he intended to give it or not...I still benefited greatly). Mark...I wish that things had been better between us...and that we could have worked our our differences...and that I could have given you something of value like you gave me something of value. Sad!!! :'(

I was terribly shocked to hear about Mark's passing.  He was one of the most humble, friendly, good natured people I had the honour of knowing.  I will miss him and I wish all the most heartfelt condolences to his family.

We were so very sad and surprised to hear of Mark’s passing from ‘our’ Laura. Our thoughts are are with you Terry, Judy and Laura at this terrible time.

Mark was a dear friend and I miss him very much.  He was an amazing human being and made a difference in many people's lives.

I will share one memory.  He was living in my basement apartment and I discovered I had a problem with mice.  I bought a live trap but felt squeamish about handling it after I caught a mouse.  Mark picked it up and together we took it up the street to a little creek.  He opened the trap and a small mouse appeared -- I guess it was a juvenile.  Then he petted it before it scampered off!  Amazing that it let him touch it.  Maybe it knew it was safe with him!

Many people posting condolences have been speaking of Mark in terms of light, and I have been describing him to people as a shining star.  He definitely was luminous...radiant.  He  provided warmth and joy, growth and energy, and illumination and insight to so many people.  The impact of his influence will never be diminished.

Jim Wilson
Kenshokan Iaido

I used to see Mark more regularly when my group of friends included more people from the Trent University community, and I always found him to be a man of extraordinary dignity, kindness and centredness. He truly stood out from those around him in that regard. 

I once took part in a ‘Ninja fitness’ event led by Mark. We jogged from Victoria Park to East City, where we made use of benches and playground equipment to do a demanding circuit workout. As we were jogging over, Mark spontaneously leapt into the air, performed a roll on the ground, and sprang back onto his toes without missing a beat!  His excellence in martial arts and fitness, and his leadership toward those who wanted to learn from him, were truly something special. 

After this group of friends dissolved due to a variety of factors that moved people on to new places and situations, I would still see Mark in Peterborough occasionally, and I always felt fortunate to be in his presence. He inspired me to improve myself with his dedication to the things and people who mattered to him. 

My deepest condolences to his family. Thank you for the gift of Mark. He changed many people’s lives for the better.

My deepest of Condolences to Mark and his family, friends and all loved who’s lives he touched. Mark was one of my closest friends and his life and friendship had a profound effect on my life. I am so grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing Mark and to call him a friend. He will forever be in my Heart. I pray for everyone grieving the loss of him at this time and for Mark hoping that he found the peace that he so deeply desired

Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Mark his picture shows what a beautiful, kind and loving person he was. John and I want to send our deepest condolences to your family for your loss. May God embrace you during this difficult time.

I wanted to send out condolences to Mark's family. I knew him through martial arts, and, though I didn't know him well, it was easy to tell that he was unique and strong and generous. I'm so sad to hear of his death, and I'm very sorry for your loss.

My deepest condolences to all who knew & loved Mark, his family - I am a better person for knowing him. Mark, may you always be in peace as you will always be in my heart my Spirit Brother. Love You!###GESTURE###

My deepest condolences to all who knew & loved Mark, his family - I am a better person for knowing him. Mark, may you always be in peace as you will always be in my heart my Spirit Brother. Love You!

My deepest condolences to Judy, Terry and Laura. As you know I met Mark when he was in high school and it was through his live and passion for martial arts, which Mark was very talented. I hadn't been in touch with Mark for a few years and this news comes as a sad reminder that life is short and to stay in touch with those who have touched our lives. It is quite apparent through social media that Mark had a special gift and he touched many people deeply in their heart and soul. I am happy that I was able to spend some special moments with an amazing person and eventhough he was 12 years younger,  at times he felt like a mentor in many ways. I feel blessed to have known you Mark and this world was blessed with your presence. I will miss your warm smile, understanding ear, kind soul and your warm friendly hugs. Be at peace my friend and know I will think of you often.

I met Mark once and I was touched.  I was going to get him to do some work in my garden.  I loved his smile and his happy countenance and his politeness.  He was definitely one of a kind, a good kind.  A gentle folk.  I will miss him.  My most sincere condolences.  My heart goes to you.

Terry, family and friends,

Our deepest condolences. 

Alen, Sandy and Haley Phillips

To the Family and Friends of Mark Ross,

Our condolences, love and prayers are with you.

This cannot be easy by any means, so please know

you are in our thoughts with lots of support and care 

to help you through this deeply difficult time. 

God Bless all of you with peace and comfort.

Terry, Judy, Laura and Josh. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers and hope you can find comfort in wonderful memories of Mark.

Hello Judy and Ross

My sincere sympathy to you and your family. May the Lordbless you and keep
You now and forever.Elizabeth

My deepest and sincere condolences to the family.

I am honestly not sure if Mark knew how much of an impact he had on my life nor how much he earned my respect for having so genuinely and earnestly searched for enlightenment in the ways that he did.

From the first day I met him I knew he was that kind of martial artist you meet once or twice every 20 years.  It was natural for him.  There was little visible struggle from the initial.  But I also knew that with that he had struggles and circumstances that I would probably never understand.

I remember when he was making that decision to move on to another group in the city he was trying hard to process the decision and asked me what he should do.  I said to him you got to do what feels right for you.  I’m not mad at you but I just know that it will hurt because I’m going to miss you.

There was a part of me that wanted to say to him with every fiber of my being don’t go... just stay with us.  But it felt selfish to say it.  He needed to come to the decision on his own.  It wasn't about me.

I’m really going to miss you Mark.  A few other old timers in the community have said it to me and I have to agree... this is hard because its like losing close family having watched Mark grow since early 2000.

He was unparalleled.  Struggles and all.

This is going to hurt.  I’m already going miss you.

Sending you all my love, Angel. May you be uplifted by the light of grace and truth on your way home. Thank you for touching my heart. Be blessed. Be free!

Sending you all my love, Angel. May you be uplifted by the light of grace and truth on your way home. Thank you for touching my heart. Be blessed. Be free!###GESTURE###

Deepest condolences. May you come together in love to remember this beautiful soul, and when the dark clouds of grief have started to part, may you celebrate him.

My condolences there are no words, when I think of Mark from high school all I can picture is his smile. I don't remember ever seeing him any other way.

I am terribly sorry Terry and Judy for your loss. When I think of Mark he was always smiling

I so enjoyed meditating with Mark in his home, having tea together, and a lovely day at Hope Mills. He is a bright, gentle light in my life, now and always. Mark, our community is diminished without you. You are loved. Thank you for all the love and care you so generously gave us.

Dear Judy and Terry, our deepest condolences to you and your family in the loss of your beloved Son. Our thoughts are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Yours Truly,
George & Cathy Alphonso

Mark, I met you through Tiina sharing spirit and light.
Your energy and love is never ending.
You will be missed on this earth.
Peace Peace Peace
Trish <3

Dear Judy, Terry, Laura and Josh

We were so sorry to hear about Mark and are devastated.  We have many fond memories of our vacations together at Little Switzerland and we are thankful for the many years of friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love Monica, Paul and family

My sincere condolences to Mark’s friends and family.
I met Mark only a handful of times in Toronto but it was always a privilege to be in his presence. When I knew he would be attending an event I always looked forward to seeing him. He truly was one of those rare souls that stood out from the crowd. He was luminous. 
It was obvious to me he was a great lover of God, deeply introspective, highly intuitive and an extraordinary soul; his humour, kindness, gentleness and rich silence was something to behold. 
You will be missed Mark.
May Mark’s family find great comfort during this difficult time of transition knowing how much Mark was respected, loved and admired by so many of us.

Judy,Terry and Family
So very sorry to learn of your recent loss in Mark,s passing.Please know our
thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time
Your neighbours
Bob and Marion Delahey

God Bless you Mark - your friends and family. You were a beloved friend and I wish I could have been there for you these last days.
Life is short. We don t live here forever. God has designed life to wind down as we inevitably break down and pass on. We all must prepare for that eventuality. 
In Him Mark - John 14:6

Mark was one of the sweetest and kindest people we have ever known. His smile warmed hearts. He and my wife had many long talks about healthcare due to some shared issues, and we feel that the Ontario medical system failed Mark badly. We can only hope that he now has found the blessed peace he so greatly deserved. He will be missed forever.

Dear Judy, Terry and Laura, I did not know Mark well, but saw him often and always felt a deep sense of empathetic connection to him.  He was full of light and his open, generous nature flowed out freely like a blessing.  I cannot begin to imagine your loss.  May Mark journey well and may you find comfort and solace. With a heart of condolences, Charlotte

What can I say???
This young lad was the epitome of everything we should be striving for. 
He was my student for a time, but I think he taught me a lot about life.
Terrible loss for everyone who knew him.
Mark Bell (Sensei)

Dear Judy, Terry and Laura,

I'm so sorry to hear about Mark. It breaks my heart. Mark was always so kind and polite and always had a big smile. He is one of the nicest, genuine people I have met in my life. I just saw him within two weeks and talked briefly when he came into my work to buy landscaping supplies. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Dear Terry, Judy, Laura & family, we offer you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Mark. He was such a kind soul and dear friend to us. May his soul rest in peace. May your family find solace and strength to get through this suffering. We keep you and Mark in our prayers. Sincerely, Françoise, Gabriel, Sebastien and Jasmine.

It is with great sadness in typing this. I met Mark in the early 2000’s at Crestwood SS, he was on his way out as I was starting. I joined his Capoeira classes being taught at the Kingswood Center in the downstairs rental rooms. I always considered Mark a mentor/big brother. Later in life around 2006-2008 I joined Marks BJJ (Brazilian jui-jitsu) school near Jackson’s Park. Mark taught me discipline and giving 100% effort in what you do. Thanks to his teachings my confidence in myself grew. I felt physically capable of defending myself and mentally strong as well. I will always stay in good physical shape and have a love for martial arts.

To his family and friends my sincere condolences. I hope everyone can find some peace. 

Rest In Peace Mark, your friend Devon.

Dear Judy, Terry & Laura,  We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful son Mark.  Words cannot express our sympathy to your family.  .May God comfort you at this very trying time.  You are all in our prayers.

Sue & Mike Gauthier
& of course, Adam & Ashley

My sympathy to Mark's family and friends. He was a very talented martial artist and he will be missed by many.

Mark was a child actor at 4th Line Theatre.  He was such a shining light even as a little boy.  I think back to those shows, and Mark, with such fondness.  My heartfelt condolences go out to Mark's family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Mark. His untimely and sudden passing has put a hole in my heart, for my beloved sangha brother whose light shines ever so brightly still. May he be remembered for the being he trully is, kind and compassionate and whose fire for Truth helped all those around him. 

My dearest, this is not goodbye but an acknowledgment of your life and light and that we love you so very much.

With love,

Jo Anne

oh Mark. no no no. my heart is broken. you are such a magnificent human. you held my heart in your beautiful blue eyes when i told you of the passing of my youngest son. you held me up. you gave me strength. you helped me smile again. i cannot believe that you are gone. you were radiant. you drew me in with your love, your magic, your smile, your warm tight hugs. you were an angel on this earth. you will be greatly missed. til we meet again, all my love Mark.

Judy, Terry And Laura,  I had the pleasure of working side by side with Mark last summer doing gardens together,  Everyday brought laughter and silliness and hard work,  even during his hard days we found laughter somehow.  I will remember that laughter everyday.  I am thinking of you all.  Beth

A Child Of Mine - By Edgar GuestI will lend you, for a little time, A child of mine, He said. For you to love the while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead. It may be thirty-seven years, Or twenty-two or three. But will you, till I call him back, Take care of him for Me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, And should his stay be brief. You'll have his lovely memories, As solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over, In search for teachers true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labour vain. Nor hate me when I come To take him home again? I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!' For all the joys Thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him, Much sooner than we've planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand.###GESTURE###

My sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Mark. His untimely and sudden passing has put a hole in my heart, for my beloved sangha brother whose light shines ever so brightly still. May he be remembered for the being he trully is, kind and compassionate and whose fire for Truth helped all those around him. My dearest, this is not goodbye but an acknowledgment of your life and light and that we love you so very much.With love,Jo Anne###GESTURE###

Devastated to hear the news of Marks passing.  Such a great young man, enterprising, honest and always had a big smile on his face when we met.
Judy, Terry and Laura you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathleen

Terry and  Judy.  We are very  sorry for your loss.  Thinking of you and your family  at this difficult  time.
Barb and  John  Kot

Mark was a kind and beautiful man. I am so sorry. I hope Mark has found peace.

Judy and Terry Laura and Josh please know we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss. Mark was an amazing person with a huge heart and his smile will never be forgotten.

It has been wonderful to reconnect with Mark in the martial arts world. We feel blessed to have known him, and will certainly miss his generous, calm, bright spirit. 

Our sincerest condolences.

Dear Judy, Terry, Laura and Josh,

I offer you my sincerest condolences.  Mark was a very dear friend and his inner beauty and presence will be deeply missed. It was always wonderful spending time with Mark, whether we were immersed in conversations, walking in nature (usually with a furry pet tag-along!), sitting quietly together or playing music. Mark’s radiant and joyous being has touched the lives of many people in our community and it’s with great sadness that we have to say goodbye. We Love You, Mark.

Judy, Terry, and Laura. It's me, Anne, from around the corner when our kids were young and played together. This must be so tough to lose your bright, beautiful boy. I am thinking of you and hoping you get some consolation in knowing how beloved he was. Hugs. Tears.

I wish I was writing here, it makes it more real and it breaks my heart. I am sending love to your family and friends.

To Judy, Terry and Laura 
We are so deeply sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your son (brother) Mark. We can only hope he is at peace. Please accept our condolences at this time. You are all in our thoughts.
Doug, Anne, Kristen. Devin and Jarett Frame

We are so deeply sorry to hear about this tragic loss. Mark was there for us during a challenging time in our lives, and his kindness and strength will never be forgotten. Please accept our condolences.

I will always remember Mark’s genuine smile, his quite ways and his sincere hugs. Heartfelt condolences to his family and dear friends.

To the Ross Family ...we are so very sorry to hear of Mark's passing....he was a very special person with such a beautiful smile...you are in our thoughts & prayers...sending much love....Sincerely Rick & Jan Casement

Thinking of all of you at this time—may he have a peaceful journey to the other side.

You will be sorely missed brother.. I will always remember your massive smile, and our great times.

Mark and I had a falling out about 2 years ago. But I thought of him often and always hoped to re-connect one day. He played a pivotal role in my spiritual journey he willed be sorely missed. I hope that he is at peace now. My condolences to his family on this great loss. Rest in peace Mark <3

Mark was a light in this world. Much love to his family in this dark time.

Mark’s kindness and dedication to meditative practice got me through one of the most difficult times in my life. His smile, his heart, his gentle nature was a gift to all that knew him. He will be missed. Our family’s sincere condolences on the loss of Mark. Namaste.

A shining star, I was blessed with the privilege to share Kirtan with Mark on our property. 
A brief but everlasting encounter that will resonate wit us forever.
Our love to you all as he transcends home. ?

Judy. I loved all our chats when I’d come in to see you! You are a sweet soul & you always lit up when you talked about your children. I am at a loss for words right now. Just know I’m deeply sorry & thinking of you during this very difficult time. xx

I am a very cynical person who does not like society as a whole and hates people in general. I can always find something derogatory to say about a person. But I can say with absolute truth, that I could not think of a single bad thing to say about Mark in all of the years I have had the privilege of knowing him!!

I’m at a loss for words. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I wish my thoughts and prayers could do more.

You were one of the deepest connections I made on this earth. My heart is bleeding but I know how much you carried and my tears are with you as you fly home. To say you’ll be missed is a cosmic understatement. I’m hugging you and loving you. My prayers for your family. Xoxo Tamara

Your light will never truly go out. Your Sangha will carry your light for you. Namaste and be at peace now.

Love you eternally brother Mark. You touched my life deeply with your friendship, love, light, laughter and presence when I was going through hard times. THANK YOU. You are forever in my heart and my prayers. Om Namah Shivaya. Shantdeep

Your light will never truly go out. Your Sangha will carry your light for you. Namaste and be at peace now.###GESTURE###

Love you eternally brother Mark. You touched my life deeply with your friendship, love, light, laughter and presence when I was going through hard times. THANK YOU. You are forever in my heart and my prayers. Om Namah Shivaya. Shantdeep###GESTURE###

Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel for your family at this time.  I  (Dianne) got to know Mark when he lived with Jason and Jen and then when he stayed on with Jason after Jen's passing.  He was the most caring, kind, thoughtful young man.  He had a good word for everyone and his smile lit up the room.  We all thought the world of him.  Please know that we are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.  Ivan and Dianne Mills

Judy, Terry, Laura (Josh), we are so very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. We got to know him well over the years living with Jason and Jen (who we lost 7 years ago to the day, actual date is tomorrow 23rd) and then mentoring and teaching Logan and Ethan. Logan was so fond of Mark and enjoyed their time together whether they were hanging out, practicing capoeira, or doing other assorted martial arts activities. Mark was a gentle, friendly soul who brought joy to all those he met. I cannot imagine the loss you are all feeling at this time. I am certain that Mark is watching over everyone and he will continue to be in our hearts. We will continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers. 
Stephanie, Logan, Ethan and Megan

So sorry for your loss Laura, Josh, Judy and Terry sending you our love.

I knew Mark from our Kirtan and meditation groups. I am so deeply saddened by the news of your loss. He was such a sweet soul. May he be at peace now and May our broken hearts Heal in time with his memory.###GESTURE###

So sorry for your loss Laura, Josh, Judy and Terry sending you our love.###GESTURE###

Dearest Ross Family,

 Your son touched the world in a radiant way with his kind and gentle heart. Mark was always willing to go out of his way to help people, and animals in anyway that he could. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss, and will keep all of you in my prayers.

With much love and respect, melissa.

So shocked and sorry to hear of the passing of your son/brother.

We knew each other through martial arts and sat together at a local Karate tournament a couple of weeks back and reminisced and laughed like two kids.

My sincere condolences to you.

Doug Johnson

Formerly, 

Head Instructor
TRENT/FLEMING/PSWC Taekwondo.

OBITUARY

Mark Philip Ross

November 5, 1981 – June 21, 2019

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