Ross Dean Crosby

Celebration of Life: https://vimeo.com/event/4664139

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/P6T4B9X3QJN55DQ4

Ross Crosby, loving father, dedicated grandfather, fierce friend, and slayer of walleyes, passed away on October 11 after a fight with myelodysplastic syndrome and subsequent complications from a bone marrow transplant at the Sanford Broadway Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

Ross was born in 1953 in St. Paul to parents Louise and Leonard Crosby. Growing up in St. Paul with siblings, Lyn and Brian, he had Minnesota sports in his blood and was a loyal, but realistic, fan of his local teams his entire life. He was a fan of all sports and would watch anything that was on TV, which brought him comfort during his final months.

Ross graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Psychology and continued his education studying at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned his PhD in Social Psychology. Ross had a way with numbers and made his career as a researcher and statistician at Sanford Research Center in Fargo, ND. He was a frequent presenter at conferences around the world, where he was recognized as a leader in statistics in the field of eating disorders. He was also viewed by most as a foremost expert at what he did, but please don't ask his daughters to explain his job.

His ex-wife Nancy Kelly gifted him with his two daughters, Amanda and Eileen, who were the pride of his life. Ross was a loving father, and he relished his time as a grandfather to Aubrey and Wesley. Next to his family, Ross was happiest in a boat chasing walleyes at many places, but especially Lake of the Woods, and camping in the Boundary Waters with his great friends. He also enjoyed hunting all manner of beasts, be it pheasants or prairie dogs, and playing with his toys outside.

Ross was a generous man who used his success to better the lives of people around him. He loved hosting friends at his home on Leech Lake and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. In recent years, Ross treated his family to three different vacations. When originally presented with this opportunity, daughter Amanda asked, "Where are we going?" Ross replied with, "I don't care, somewhere fun. You tell me." The place and activities truly didn't matter to him if he had his loved ones nearby. He relished making memories with those he was closest to and would have been happy going anywhere and doing anything. He never let his diagnosis hold him back, and on their last trip, Ross kept up with the grandkids cliff diving, swimming through caves, and ziplining through the jungles of the Maya Riviera in Mexico. Age is just a number, and cancer sure wasn't going to rob him of a good time.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Louise; and brother, Brian. He is survived by sister, Lyn; daughters, Amanda (Pat Schaefer) and Eileen; grandchildren, Aubrey and Wesley; sister-in-law, Linnea; nephews, Brent and Justin; niece, Alison; and a statistically incalculable number (even for him) of close friends and colleagues. Ross lived and loved fiercely and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Amanda and Eileen want to express their sincere gratitude to all who have reached out and provided help in this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests financial donations to the American Cancer Society or Sanford Broadway Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo, ND. Visitation begins at 1:00, service at 2:00, and good times and merriment at Brewhalla (Fargo) to follow.

While his mortal spirit has left our world, he will forever remain "statistically yours" to us all. Please grab your favorite IPA and raise a glass of thanks and gratitude to a special man. Prost!