Tom Ross Memorial Fund: A Sudden Farewell

Help Me Bring My Father Home — Honoring Thomas Leonard Ross Jr.

My name is Anna-Leah Ross, and I am the proud daughter of Thomas Leonard Ross Jr.

Just two days ago, my world shattered. My father—my rock, my best friend, my storyteller—was taken from us in a sudden and tragic motorcycle accident. He was riding his Harley, wind in his hair and freedom in his heart, when a car turned unexpectedly in front of him. He never had a chance.

A young woman I’ve never met messaged me out of the blue. She witnessed the crash. She told me she knelt beside him, held his hand, and prayed over him until help arrived. I will never forget that. In the darkest moment of his life, a stranger became his angel.

But now, I am reaching out, humbly and brokenhearted, because I need help.

I need help getting to where he passed so I can take care of his remains, see him one last time, and honor his final wish—to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in the ocean, as “Tears in Heaven” plays in the air and the waves carry him home.

He was born in California. He lived much of his life in Hawaii. The sea was a part of him—it soothed him, held his memories, gave him peace. That is where he longed to return.

But I can’t do it alone.

My sister Selah and I are still grieving the loss of our sibling, who died just eight months ago at the age of 39. And now—this. Our family is drowning in sorrow and overwhelmed by the weight of it all. Financially, emotionally, spiritually—we are struggling to hold on.

I don’t want to fail my dad now. He was the kind of father who sat with me through the hard days, who stood up for me when the world felt cruel. When I was a little girl and the other kids made fun of my freckles, my pale skin, my glasses—he walked into my classroom, day after day, and showed me I was never alone. With a cup of hot cocoa and a warm pastry, he reminded me that I belonged.

He gave me everything he could. Now it’s my turn.

Please, if you feel moved to help, any donation—no matter how small—will go directly toward:

Traveling to where his body is

Cremation costs

Bringing his ashes home

Fulfilling his final wish: a farewell in the sea

And if you’re not able to give, sharing this message is a gift in itself.

Help me carry my father home. Help me give him the peace he deserves. Let his final journey be filled with the same love and dignity he gave so freely in life.

With all my heart,

Anna-Leah Ross

(for myself, my sister Selah, and the soul of our beloved Father)