28/07/2026
A Celebration of the Life of My Beloved Husband, Ross Willmann
As we prepare to say goodbye to my beloved husband, Ross, I have been overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of love, support, and memories from every corner of the world.
Over the past few days, I have received hundreds of messages, emails, phone calls, and comments from people whose lives Ross touched throughout his remarkable career. Reading every message has brought both tears and comfort. I have learned even more about the extraordinary man I was blessed to call my husband.
Ross wasn’t simply respected because of his knowledge and achievements—he was loved because of the person he was.
His colleagues have described him as:
• A true gentleman.
• An exceptional leader and mentor.
• Honest, kind and generous.
• A man with integrity who inspired everyone around him.
• Someone who could connect with people from the workshop floor to the boardroom.
• A professional with an infectious smile, a wonderful sense of humour, and a positive attitude that never left him.
Many shared stories from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, Dubai, Mongolia, Germany, Australia and many other parts of the world where Ross worked throughout his career. They remembered building mines together, solving impossible challenges, sharing campfires after long days, and creating lifelong friendships.
One message touched me deeply:
“Ross had the ability to connect and motivate people from the shop floor to the board room and left a positive and lasting legacy with so many people.”
Another wrote:
“Ross was more than a colleague or mentor—he was a guardian and guiding force throughout my professional journey.”
Again and again people spoke about his kindness, generosity, technical knowledge, humour, honesty and unwavering support. So many said they would never have achieved what they have today without Ross believing in them.
It has become so clear that Ross didn’t just build projects—he built people.
He left a legacy that stretches across continents and generations.
To everyone who has reached out, shared memories, sent flowers, written messages, travelled long distances, or simply kept our family in your thoughts and prayers—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Your words have reminded me that while Ross was my husband and the wonderful father of Nomiko and Ethan, he also meant so much to so many others. Knowing how deeply he was respected and loved has given our family great comfort during the hardest days of our lives.
Tomorrow we won’t only mourn the loss of an incredible man—we will celebrate a life that was lived with purpose, generosity, laughter and love.
Ross would never have wanted sadness alone.
He would want us to remember the adventures, the stories, the friendships, the laughter around a campfire, the lessons he shared, and the countless lives he changed along the way.
Thank you for helping us honour his memory.
You will forever live in our hearts, Ross.
A loving husband.
The most devoted father.
A loyal friend.
A respected leader.
A true gentleman.
Your legacy will never be forgotten.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts. ❤️
