Ross was mine and Steve’s best, very loyal and beloved friend for over 40 years. For me he was the fountain of all knowledge. He always seemed to know things and could turn his hand to anything. We always seemed to be saying “Ask Ross, he’ll know” and he usually did. We have lots of memories obviously but two stick in my mind which I would like to share with you. Ross, my hero, Willow’s surrogate Dad. Last year our Springer Spaniel Willow became very ill. Steve was away on business and I had no way of getting her to the vets so in a panic I rang Ross who was busy, but he took charge of the situation, dropped everything and was over at my house near Skipton within the hour and we took her to the vets. It was touch and go with Willow but she recovered and I couldn’t thank Ross enough. He said it was no problem to him and said he was her Surrogate Dad. He was my hero! He didn’t give a damn!.... A few years ago he kindly offered to do some plastering for us. He worked like a Trojan all day and come the evening the usual question “fancy a pint” was asked (always seemed to be the case when the McGhies visited). Ross hesitated for a second then said he hadn’t a change of trousers. We looked at him and he was covered in plaster. Steve disappeared for a while and re-appeared with a pair of purple fleece tracky bottoms that he wears under trousers to keep warm while fishing. “This is all I can offer you Ross” said Steve thinking he wouldn’t want them, but Ross not wanting to miss an hour or two in the pub took them and said “they’ll be fine”. Now picture the scene… we all know Ross’s height and build but for those that don’t know Steve he is about 5.5 and slim. Ross strutted out of the bathroom like a model on a catwalk wearing an old tee-shirt tucked into the purple fleecy pants that came above his ankles, the elasticated waist was stretched to capacity and they showed every contour possible. Every time I feel sad about Ross I picture him lent against the bar with his legs crossed, pint in hand, a “I don’t give a damn” look on his face while Jan, Steve and myself helplessly laughing at this vision in the rather too small purple pants. It always makes me smile and I wish I had a photo so the vision could be shared. Rest in peace Ross, you are gone but you will never be forgotten!