It is with great sadnes that we have been notified of the passing of Ross Barnes.
Ross was a member of SORRA since the mid 1980s. Whilst never a competitor, he was one of the backbones of SORRA for all of those years. At race meetings he was in charge of timing, developing his own timing and results program before many people had computers in their homes. Ross was also involved with SORRA at administration level as the clubs Secretary for many years. At Colo working bees he was always there lending a hand as a skilled engineer being heavily involved in the construction of the event headquarters/timing room/commentary room building as well as the canteen and refitting out the amenities building. Ross won the Club Supporters Trophy many times almost making it his own. Ross was a Life Member of SORRA and recipient of the Hawkesbury Sports Medal for services to the sport.
But more than that Ross Barnes was just a great bloke, one of lifes true gentlemen. Despite knowing him for 25 odd years I never heard him speak a bad word about anyone and no matter what drama you may have been going through he was always there with a supportive word.
Ross will be sorely missed by everyone in SORRA and everyone who had anything to do with Colo Park. I know I miss him, he was a good friend.
Rest In Peace Rossco. You may be gone but never forgotten.
As Dusteater said ''Just a great bloke'' Ross was there for me and my faimlly with words of support in our time of need not that long ago . We will dearly miss Ross as will everyone.
That is very sad news. Anyone at NSW state level would know that he always walked around the pits with a smile and seemed to be at every race.....he was always ready for a chat!
I read this thread with great sadness. Ross was a true gentleman. Always had a smile and a dumb joke to share, and never had a bad word to say about anyone or anything.
Funeral details for Ross Rookwood Cemetery, West Chapel, Thursday 22nd July, 10am The family has requested no flowers but if you wish, make a donation to the Cancer Council. I know it is very close to Griffith but a big turnout would be fitting. At this stage we are planning to go somewhere afterwards for bit of a send off.
Rosses funeral was today and naturally it was a very sad occassion. Many thanks to all who made the effort to turn up and pay their respects. There was quite a number from the Off Road Racing community and some who had travelled many hours to be there. Im sure Ross would have hated all the fuss but would also have been very appreciative that so many were there to see him off.
As Dusteater said ''Just a great bloke'' Ross was there for me and my faimlly with words of support in our time of need not that long ago . We will dearly miss Ross as will everyone.
