Morning All;
I am not so sure of how to put this but I received a phone call this morning from RossKKo or should I say RossKKo's lovely wife Sandra to inform me that RossKKo has passed away early this morning peacefully with his family by his side.

I am afraid I am lost for words as we went for a ride to Wisemens Ferry only last week and he could still ride better than I.

Sandra will keep me updated re funeral etc and went to great pains to stress that this Forum and his bikes were some of the greatest things in his life next to family.

I will let everyone know when I know more and include my number should it be needed. 0414231985

Klompy

Like you Klompy - for once in my life I am lost for words.

Ride on Rosskko!

Shocked and saddened to hear this.

Oh crap. We knew he was sick but I hoped he might get a few years yet. I am so very sorry to hear this.

-Dai

I'm just stuñned. Can only remember Rosskos enthusiastic wave when we passed each other the other week.

Al

Sad news indeed.... totally shocked. WE have lost someone who did his best to put life into the forum and he enriched all of our lives.

I feel stunned. I never had the pleasure of meeting the man but he sure put a lot smiles on a lot of faces. What a wit, what a sense of humour, to the end. RIP Roskko.

That's very sad news.

Never met Rossko but feel I knew him. A sad loss - RIP

Only just the other day, last November, met up with him at the pub in Gloucester, beers and laughs en-route to Smithy's at Guyra. Not a mention of his impending grief.

Such a horrible thing. V.saddening indeed. RIP, Rosskko. Great Bloke.

My sentiments exactly Packo.  It is amazing how brotherhood can bond us around a single icon like the Brick and motorcycling. I feel close to many on this forum, Rossko included, yet having only met a bare handful in person.

Sincere condolences to Rosskko's family.

Vale Rosskko.
Too stunned to contemplate words here. You will be mightily missed.
RT & ST

Very sad as we caught up after a long break during BAE's visit.

..for the candle that burns twice as bright burns only half as long..
RIP Brother.

He was a real Aussie bloke.

Up for a laugh. Went out of his way to help you. A bloke you can count on.

RIP mate.

What a crap, stuffed-up world we live in.

Condolences to his family.

Sad news, great sense of humour, condolences to all concerned.

This is sad news indeed. Rossco had only made contact with us a month or so ago. Or thoughts are with his family.

Truly sad news. I am in Sydney this weekend and was going to call in out of the blue (with a little notice) and have a cuppa. Oh well at least I have had the privelige of sharing a cuppa and a laugh with one of life's real characters.
Mine and Marg's condolences to Sandy and the girls and all his family.
Ride on RossKo you will be sadly missed.

Words really fail me at a time like this - very sad news indeed . Rosskko's humour, wit and advice generally will be missed. Condolences to Sandra and the family.

Such sad news a stalwart on this forum, condolences to his family.

BIG D

Sad news indeed, our condolences to the family. 

"Only The Good Die Young"  

Gee like all I'm devastated ...Rossko and I attended the same school, grew up in the same area and he was extremely supportive when I had my own issues with the big C a couple of years ago ... plus all the help he gave me with the bike...

Vale Ross Gallagher you'll be missed but nor forgotten...

I was shocked to read the post this morning. Seems no time that we 'met' Rossko [and Sandra] on one of the get togethers with Skype. Its sadder too here because he was talking about being here at this particular time, something I and others here were very much looking forward to. I know too the Krew were looking forward to much more time together.

As we know the forum and the bikes are a big part of his life, but so is Rossko and the forum a good part of our lives too. We always look forward to his posts, some with a bit of fun in them but none ever with anything other than helpful and thoughtful for those of us trying to learn about Ks.

Our thoughts are with his family just now.

There will be a bottle of Honey Bourbon and 2 glasses on my sideboard. Anytime any of you are feeling down, head this way and we can raise a glass to Rosskko.

I don't have the words do do Rosskko justice and don't drink anymore but I will take you up on that drink RT I will raise a glass to Rosskko and remember the rides his humor and friendship.

Hi all;
Went to see the Gallagher family right after work and they are holding up well with the family together and they are extremely supportive. Although it is never easy and sometimes not as big a surprise as expected this is the time to remember the good,funny and exciting times. The girls have left Rossko's login open and are gaining solace in the response from you all...so if you have stories or pictures to share do it here so we can all celebrate the life of one of Australia's real characters. 

There will be more info but the plan is for a service next Wednesday at Rouse Hill followed by a few drinks to farewell our close friend, husband,father and grandfather.

Rossko's Bike (one of 4) is waiting on the driveway for him like a loyal dog and when walking past it is really missing his smile and ready wit...to complete the package

I am having a honey bourbon raising the glass now to you my friend.

oh  blast ...what a shame indeed ...very saddened to hear of this great guys passing

mr klompy  please pass on my best wishes to sandra and family

he was forever the gentleman and creative helper from afar .... fortunately  alby, nic and myself got to meet the rosskko household on our trip south  what seems,  just a little while ago .   

he will indeed  be sadly missed by many of us

many of us remember his enthusiasm and smiling face ...well this is how I will remember him forever more ...a happy chappy with lots of friends all around

[url=https://servimg.com/view/19171637/94][/url 

cheers rosskko

Also very shocked to hear this.

Even though we never met in person I felt as if I knew him from his many comments here.

Best wishes to the family at this sad time

This is a very sad moment for many , our thoughts firstly go to Sandra and the girls , and all of your family. 
Much appreciation goes to Klompy and the Krew for passing on the news today , a very difficult task to carry out . 
My thoughts today were varied , but mostly filled with the character , wit , humour and larrikanism which Rossko shared amongst this wonderful forum .
Rossko's legacy with remain for a long time as we revisit the many stories he has contributed to over the many years . 
Thankyou to Sandra and the girls for Sharing a very special person with this group of Knuts.

Some of the memories that brought a smile to my face today . An inspiration to many .

Mr Morph.....   


Far Kairn 2013 . breaking camp on Sunday morning .



Black Dog Ride - Central Coast 2014 with daughter Meg?



At Laguna for lunch .



Sharing a moment with the Krew during the Blue Boxer Charity ride.  
Guess who is the Morph?


A proud man and his motorcycle .



An intelligent , witty , humerous fellow Krew member it is a pleasure sharing a ride with. In our thoughts for a long time to come .
Rest peacfully RossKKo.
Take care everyone .

Shocked and saddened at the news...as one earlier comment said. We knew he was ill but thought he'd have more time.

We'll miss his wit and kind words of encouragement around here.

Klompy , that was a stinker hot day when you guys visited the MCA and Jes .
Can't forget the fun Rosskko would have as he followed up on a bike for sale. not buy it, then try and Konvert the seller over to the forum....

Very saddened to hear this news today, RIP Rosskko

This is a very sad news, and I want to express my condolences to his family and friends.

Klompy , that was a stinker hot day when you guys visited the MCA and Jes .
Can't forget the fun Rosskko would have as he followed up on a bike for sale. not buy it, then try and Konvert the seller over to the forum....

I too am saddened to hear this.

I enjoyed his p9sets and wit.

I wish I had the opportunity to have met him because of his posts...

I am all look sorry for our loss.

He may not be with us,  but he will live on in our hearts.

We have lost a true friend. Our lives are richer for knowing him.

Our first meeting at RT's place.


Hey Ross, what tension have we got to do these bolts? Oh about 3 Rosskko's


Wollombi - Sweet Thing


Fuelled by canned anti-freeze. 2014 Alpine Rally


Only a Fire God could create this. Alpine Rally 2014.


C'mon Peter, hurry up with the cheese and crackers. Alpine Rally 2014.


How good is this fire? Alpine Rally 2014.


It's tough but someone has to do it. Alpine Rally trip 2014.


The view was worth the 90kms of dirt road, wasn't it? Scrapheap Ride 2014.


Due recognition for our Fire God. Nymboida 2014.


Koffee at Newton on Sydney Brickworks trip May 2015.


The Blue Beast in pride of place amongst the Bricks at Sydney Brickworks May 2015.


A fine group. Alpine Rally trip 2015.


Don't encourage him Rosskko! Alpine Rally trip 2015.


It's only -12C. Alpine Rally 2015.


Aussie Krew Christmas 2015.


Aussie Krew Christmas 2015.

as always  an adventurous one .... giggles

Neranderra trip 2013

The first time I met Rossko he was sharing his knowledge by pulling the back end of the drive train off at RT's before a ride down the coast the next day.
From what I saw then and since, and what I've heard from before that, sharing knowledge and expertise was very typical of him, as well as being a true friend to the Krew. 

He will be sadly missed, as can be seen from the prior posts. If I wasn't en route to France at the moment, I would have been at the funeral to pay my respects in person. 

Bill

I am so very deeply saddened to hear the news about Rosskko and my heart goes out to Sandra and family at this terribly sad time. As many have mentioned, his presence on this forum helped spread humour, mirth, technical assistance, K-bike love and kamaraderie all around the world. He will be sorely missed.

Unlike many, I had the immense pleasure of meeting Rosskko and the lovely Sandra in person during my brief trip down under just over a month ago. I can assure you all, that he was an even bigger personality in real life than he was on the forum and a hugely likeable character. Generous, friendly and totally unassuming. It was such a honour to meet him and ride with him.

As others have said, we all knew he was unwell and greatly appreciated his honesty and fortitude in letting us all know - because he knew we would all want to know rather than to seek sympathy. When he led us on the ride to the PITS on 16 Apr 16 you could see the sheer disappointment in his face when he realised that he didn't have the energy to continue further with us all on the ride. When I saw him again on 21 Apr when returning his nekkid RT (after a fabulous week), he looked much better and was full of life.

Only last Wednesday, I received a PM from Rosskko... I include a short passage from it:

"Hi Paul,
Thought it about time I raised my sorry head to say what a pleasure it was to meet you and thankfully provide you with a bike that gave (mostly) trouble free riding.
My general spirits are high at the moment and I feel pretty good, but I was devastated when I could not join you all for the ride past the Pie.
I had been so looking forward to it as my (long) riding days are probably behind me.
I loved your ride report and the kindness you showed in describing the nekkid RT that was really put together from the generosity of the forum."

I had given him a bottle of malt whisky as a thank you for the loan of the bike (he wouldn't accept any payment for wear & tear etc.) and I told him that, afterwards, I was cursing my thoughtlessness...

 "I did wonder about the scotch after I gave it to you - I had the sudden sinking feeling that you might be off the booze (especially the hard stuff) due to your medication and was kicking myself for being so thoughtless and insensitive. I consoled myself that you could always give it to someone as a Christmas present, if you couldn't drink it yourself. However, I'm glad that you do intend to have a wee dram and I hope you enjoy your special occasion, what ever the excuse that may be!"


His reply the following day was, so typically Rosskko, that he had been waiting for a special occasion to open the bottle:

"Tonight is a special occasion. Added just a bit of water [we had discussed the art of drinking a single malt] and it really does make a difference. I am a spirits in the glass and drink it as it came out of the bottle kind of guy. No coke, no ice etc and my experiences with water have usually been through adding to much ice that ends up melting and making a watery mess. We have both learned something.
Insensitive? Never. What else would you have got? Box of chocolates? Flowers? I appreciate enough that you thought to buy anything.


Mate has/had prostate cancer. When we get together we drink red wine and smoke the biggest ugliest cigars we can find. Wives complain and we sit there and 'let it do it's worst'. Headshakes and hurrumphs and we continue to drink and smoke."

I took this as a positive sign that he was in good humour and that perhaps the medication was working.

Now, just one week later and we are all dealing with the very saddest of news and Rosskko has gone and left us.
It was truly a privilege, genuine pleasure and an honour to have known and ridden with you mate. Tonight I too, will raise a glass in your memory. Cheers - good onya mate!

Sandra and family, please accept my most sincerest of condolences, I can only hope that these posts are able to bring you at least a little comfort from his all friends around the world.

Rosskko - RIP Mate.

Reading these posts it seems so clear Rosskko as a person could fill as big a space as could be found but took up very little room.

We have a saying here that goes something like this

Wherever you may travel
May the sun always be in front of you,
The wind always behind you,
May the road always rise to meet you.

Olaf , here in Oz it is a well known verse recited at funerals , the "Irish Blessing" ,

Wherever you may travel
May the sun always be in front of you,
The wind always behind you,
May the road always rise to meet you.


 a verse intended to wish our mate good stead on his next journey from our presence.
Travel well RossKKo , Cheers Ed.

A post from Halo restoration thread...

Rosskko said:

"Once again wow.
You have even countersunk the bolts for the shiny top of your work bench.
I found it easier to countersink the bench top. My bolts now stick up nice and high."

I never had the good fortune to meet Rossko.
But in the way we get to know people here, you soon realised that Rossko's posts were to be taken notice of.
Condolences to his family and mates here.

dee

Ladies and Gents;
Update on the funeral for our brother RossKKo.

On direction from Sandra the funeral will take place at Castlebrook Rouse Hill at 11am. Followed by drinks and lunch at the Mean Fiddler nearby.

The Hearse will be departing RossKKo's house at Lisbon Court Castle Hill at 10.15 and I for one will be escorting on K bike...to those able to attend at this short notice please join us on our last ride together.

Sandra has asked that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to https://liferaftgroup.org/ who do specific research into the type of Cancer that befell RossKo. More details in tomorrows Sydney Morning Herald.

Thanks again for your continued support and wishes at this emotional time.


Klompy

thanks for the update Klompy . hope you are well mate , Will catch up with everyone on Wednesday . 
Tracey had a visit from the towing crew today , Ol'Blue and the Kart were sent off to the Assessors and we should get a final response next week . 
In the mean time Smithy has kindly offered me a place on his pillion seat for the ride down to Sydney . Hope I don't scare him if I tap him on the shoulder for a loo break .
As far as I know we will see you at RossKKo's.

I'm hoping it is appropriate to wear my Black Evolution T-shirt , as I know RossKKo wore his with pride .

GroverK wrote:thanks for the update Klompy . hope you are well mate , Will catch up with everyone on Wednesday . 
Tracey had a visit from the towing crew today , Ol'Blue and the Kart were sent off to the Assessors and we should get a final response next week . 
In the mean time Smithy has kindly offered me a place on his pillion seat for the ride down to Sydney . Hope I don't scare him if I tap him on the shoulder for a loo break .

If I were up front on the bike I think I would be more worried if you didn't tap him on the shoulder for a loo break.............I think its nice to see some Ks going along.

given that the forecast for Wednesday is  ,I don't think Smithy should be concerned where he sits .

Found this from Smithy , posted with respect .


ODE of K RIDERS

As I climb astride my ride,
the presence of my K at my side...
Keeping  me vibrateing through out the day, 
guiding  me safely along the way
Potholes, roo's, and twisty bits,
oil, gravel and dimwits
My K handles each with ease,
until my ride this day is done
While the engine accelerates,
let us ride as friends and mates
But when I stop in bush or town,
I know the k hasn’t let me down
Remind me not why I ride a K ,
as life is short I will not say
Let me praise my K with pride
until I make my final ride.


Kopyright 2014

Rosskko. peaked my interest in K1100s when I met him for the first time on the Northern Tablelands Run last November. A great guy who will be greatly missed.

I'm on the road with my new (to me) K1100 and unfortunately won't be able to make the funeral.... I'm sure he would understand.