Ross Duston Whitlock

Thetford Center, Vt. — Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far way, a boy was born, on Oct. 17, 1986. He was called Ross, after the lovely place in Scotland that his parents, Sally & Dean, once visited. He grew up in a town of small villages called Thetford, in the Kingdom of Vermont. It was a pretty cool place, where he learned to walk, run, play, read endlessly, write beautifully, draw, appreciate nature and animals (especially bats and otters), swim, ski, skate, and sled. (This was a wintry kingdom.)

Ross went to small schools in his town and learned the things that we all learn, and he excelled. Along the way he discovered Celtic music, acting, movies, games, and furry art, and began to become the unique person who would carry him into the future. A large, wonderful family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins knew him, as well as an equally large, wonderful group of friends.

Ross then traveled to a university near a very large lake, where he studied human cultures, grew his hair long, and took on the responsibilities of his own life and being a citizen. Art and writing become more important, as well as the larger kingdoms and their potential for friends, reachable through the magic web. This tall young man joined a circus every summer and discovered an amazing, loyal crew who loved creativity, celebrated differences, honored humor and tomfoolery, and become part of him.

Eventually, as often happily occurs, one distant friend in the magic web became dearer than any others – Chris, a knight of some valor, who returned his affection. They started a life together in the distant Kingdom called Colorado; like home, a place of beauty in which to work and play.

All these events are pieces in the life of Ross Duston Whitlock, who was much greater than any words put to paper. He was quiet, smart, funny, furry, insightful, cynical, musical, warm, thoughtful, zany, talented, and tattooed (remember the otters, foxes, circus, books) ... many, many things to fill 30 years.

Ross left us on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. He is missed terribly by his parents, his partner, and all who knew him.

Remember him. Tell stories and share love so that he will remain in all of our hearts. And, when you have the good fortune to see an otter or bats swooping in the dusk, think of Ross and say hello. A gathering is planned for June 10 in Thetford.

(If you wish to remember Ross with a donation, any of the following would be grateful: Open Fields School or Thetford Academy in Thetford, VT., Circus Smirkus in Greensboro, VT, or The Boys and Girls Club of Chaffee County, Salida, CO.)