To be a great skateboard photographer is as much a testament to your personality as it is to your skills with a camera and Rome Torti was one of Australia's greatest.
All those countless epic images of Shane Cross, Jake Duncombe and every Gold Coast skater from the last 15 years are a photographic reflection of what a great friend Rome was to have by your side. Rome fought a long and hard battle with cancer all whilst nurturing his son Ryder and loving his wife Rachel, for them I want to offer my deepest condolences but want to let them know that Rome will never be forgotten.
To the rest of the Australian skateboarding community because I know Rome touched all of your hearts, my thoughts are with you
Rest in Peace Rome.—Dave Chami
From the Rome Torti Support FB Page:
Rome Torti passed away this morning, with his wife Rachel’s arms wrapped around him and the rain coming down.
He was peaceful, he was at home and he knew he was loved.
For all of us who loved Rome, it may not have been forever, but it was our forever.
For Rachel, Rome and Ryder, it may not have been a perfect love story, but it was their love story.
Thank you all for sharing in Rome’s wonderful, fun, happy, enormous life.
When he needed you, you rallied.
When he needed space, you respected that.
When he needed a beer, you were more than happy to join in.
Rome attracted friends and supporters for a reason – his positivity and strength was inspirational and a force that all of us simply wanted to be around. He was a happy warrior who lived what he loved.
His family and friends thank you so much for all for your unending support.
Details of a Celebration of Rome will follow soon.
PS: We all know Rome loved a party. Today would have been his close friend Shane Cross’s birthday. We have a feeling the two of them are having a skate somewhere up there to celebrate.
