Will Ross R.I.P.
I am sad to share the news of the passing of my friend and colleague Will Ross, REBT author http://www.shamelesshappiness.com/, blogger and website host http://www.rebtnetwork.org/ . We knew that Will had battled cancer, mostly successfully, for several years. However, I just received a forwarded e-mail from Will’s wife, Cynthia, telling us that Will’s health went into serious decline the middle of May, and when it reached a critical phase in June, happily Will was still strong enough to return with Cynthia to his home in Australia to be with friends and family until the end, 28 June 2015. The e-mail was quite detailed, but I will leave it at that until we find out if there is anything more that she cares to share publicly.
Will was my friend and colleague, although we never actually met him in person. We knew each other for many years through our participation in the yahoogroup REBT-CBT Forum. Will was generous with his time helping others on REBT-CBT Forum and expertly teaching and explaining REBT to newbies oldies. He was a fine teacher and would have been a fine therapist if he had chosen to practice. I envy Will’s unique ability to cut right to the basics, teach the nuts & bolts of how to actually use REBT on distorted thinking and personal problems rather that only talk about the underlying philosophy, something I personally need to work on in my own teaching. We have been blessed to permanently feature his article “What is REBT?” on this blog. It is a great primer using an economy of words to convey sometimes difficult concepts.
I vividly remember Will’s posts from some years ago about his battle with cancer, surviving major surgery and subsequent difficult treatments and life-changing events. He put his money where his mouth was and rigorously practiced REBT to help get through the pain, disability, changes and fear and all the rest of it. He is an inspiration, and I am not at all sure I would demonstrate the same bravery, dignity and equanimity in the face of such trying events.
I just found this YouTube video of Will talking about REBT. It is a lovely way to remember him; talking and teaching about his passion.
I will miss you Will. Thanks for your many contributions. Rest in peace.
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