Dr. Edward Ross Schwarz
EUGENE - Dr. Edward (Ross) Schwarz passed away on January 19, 2024 after a long struggle with bipolar disorder.
Ross — born November 30, 1971, to Sally and Burt Schwarz in Louisville, Kentucky — is survived by his wife: Tamara Hughes Schwarz; children: Ellis Schwarz, Finn Schwarz, Gavin Hughes and Alayna Hughes; parents: Burt and Sally Schwarz and sisters: Tina Schnapper (Marc) and Beth Kastner (Patrick).
Ross grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, attending Parkway South High School where he excelled academically and played drums in the marching band. Ross was an Eagle Scout, which fostered a lifelong love of camping and the outdoors. During high school, you could often find Ross speeding around town in his beloved “Betsy,” a 1954 Chevy gifted to him by his grandfather.
A lover of all things related to space and sci-fi, Ross was a man of science from an early age. He followed his passion first into a biology degree from the University of Illinois and next into a degree from the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University of Chicago. After completing his residency in Chicago, Ross moved to Eugene, Oregon in 2001 to begin his medical practice.
A treasured physician who touched countless lives in his community, Ross practiced as a hospitalist and primary care physician with the Oregon Medical Group, where he gained a reputation as an intelligent, compassionate caregiver among his patients. Ross volunteered at the White Bird Clinic, which provides primary health care services for at-risk populations. He also volunteered at his beloved Oregon Country Fair, where he was sure to be found enjoying his summer days every year.
Ross especially enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their home on the Oregon coast, which he often described as their “happy place.” Ross loved travel in general. His favorite adventures included trips to Alaska with Tamara and camping with his children. He admitted to being a “sucker for sunsets” and was passionate about astronomy, which was evident to all who followed his social media accounts. Ross is also remembered for his green thumb as he lovingly cared for his many plants.
At his best, Ross was a devoted father, husband and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Transponder (www.transponder.community), The Trevor Project (www. thetrevorproject.org) or the White Bird Clinic (www.whitebirdclinic.org).
A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. March 3 at the McDonald Theater in Eugene. If interested in speaking at the event to share your memories of Ross, please contact his sister Tina Schnapper at tschnapper12@ gmail.com.