#liveforross

The #liveforross: A Fund for Safety Awareness & Vocational Education of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, allows our family to honor Ross’ life by promoting safety awareness and granting safety equipment awards to graduating students who complete welding and ag mechanic programs.

OUR DOCUMENTARY
We have also created a safety awareness documentary to support our young people in making “good decisions” so you and your family and friends do not have to experience this painful tragedy.

You can view the documentary below and on YouTube. Please share with your family and friends!

Written by His Loved Ones

It is with great sadness that the family of Ross Tarp Braasch announces his passing on April 16, 2022. Ross, 25, lost his life as he lived it driving on his beloved Pine Canyon Ranch in Salinas.

Ross, the son of Jody and Lenn Braasch and the brother of Riley, was born on February 4, 1997. Ross loved being raised on the ranch, driving jeeps, trucks and dirt bikes on every available path. An adventurer from the get-go, the road less traveled became his main highway.

Ross and the love of his life, Rebecca, spent many hours together loving, laughing and planning their future together. Ross was one of those people who helped all he encountered, whether it was a complete engine overhaul, small welding jobs for friends, helping Nana with her computer or sharing a kind word or a joke to make you laugh.

His mother, Jody, remembers melting when Ross looked at her with those stunning green eyes. Ross could wrap his Mom around his little finger every time. Riley and Ross were not just sister and brother. They were each other’s confidant even after Riley, at 2 years old, set his bedroom on fire! It was a real blow to him as he lost every one of his computers and video games.

His family is just now discovering the depth of his huge reservoir of friends, young and old. Friends could call on him anytime as he could call on them. Ross shared his love of the ranch with them while driving, biking, hunting and just sitting and talking. His Nana recalls Ross’s early love of cars at the Autopia Car Ride at Disneyland where Ross, age 4, refused to leave the car!

The word potential comes to mind when thinking about Ross, remembers his Papa Brad. Everything he did usually surpassed potential. He was able to complete a task with a mind like no other. Then he would be on to something else.

Lenn remembers that during the River Fire 2 years ago, Ross and his friends were on the ranch protecting the family homes and helping to direct the evacuation. He was always here for us.

Ross loved to fish and would usually break one or two rods in outings with Papa, who would bring extra rods just in case. Ross even managed to break the unbreakable “Ugly Stik” rod.

Recently, he was able to visit his dear friend Jack with Rebecca and friend Alex at the Grand Prix of Long Beach where Jack was working with an IndyCar race team. They had a blast!

Ross recently started a new job with the Don Chapin Company. He was thrilled to follow in the footsteps of his Dad and Papa driving a concrete mixer. Each evening he would share stories with them about his workday.

The stories about his life have been rushing through to his family like a tidal wave of comfort with one common theme: Ross was a Fixer. He could assess and fix anything mechanical as well as listen to a friend for hours to help and fix broken hearts.

He loved to sit alone on the highest of hills on the ranch just appreciating God’s beautiful surroundings. We don’t know what he was thinking, but knowing Ross, it was important, loving and kind.

Ross will be forever loved and missed by his parents, Jody and Lenn Braasch, his sister Riley and her boyfriend Austin, his girlfriend Rebecca and family, Grandparents Brad and Rosemary Tarp, Grandparents John and Sharon Braasch, his Uncle Brad Tarp Jr., John Renner and family, Uncles and Aunts, and multitudes of cousins and friends.

The family wants to thank Father Mike from St. Joseph’s Church, Spreckels, CA for spending time with the family. They would also like to thank family and friends for being by their side.

As we think of Ross on that Mountain Top in Heaven, Jesus at his side, we can imagine his excitement, joy and comfort of doing God’s work. “For with God Nothing is Impossible!” Luke 1:37

Ross’s family and friends are welcome to the Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 7, 2022 1-4, at the Andrus Barn, 1563 Old Stage Road, Salinas, CA 93906.

Arrangements by Struve and Laporte