Sir David R. Ross 1958 – 2010
David R. Ross 1958 - 2010
I received the email below from Tim who is a good friend of Davids and who’s daughter contacted Tim with the news today. I know in my dealings with David he was a larger than life presence. Always quick with a joke, very humble and truly appreciative to be doing what he was doing. Doing what he loved. He loved Scotland and every thing Scottish. He was a true ambassador to and for Scotland. Not only did we in St. Andrew’s Legion lose an ambassador and true Scottish Patriot we lost a friend.
Some of you may have already heard, but then again, some of you may have not have heard, but Sir David R Ross has left us. He passed away Saturday night after a severe heart attack back in Scotland. David was my dear friend, I am still trying to cope with the loss. He was the embodiment of all that is Scotland. I honestly believe that he and William Wallace are gazing down through Caledonia Skies smiling upon all of us who hold Alba so dear in our hearts.
The following video clip was from back in 2005 when David made his historic trek south from Robroyston to trace the footsteps of William Wallace’s march to his execution in London. In the video, you will also see another familiar face if you are a member of the Les Eccosais Royalle. After David’s speech, Ted Christopher, another dear friend sings Caledonia Skies. The song always brought a stir in me, and now it takes yet another more solemn meaning for me. If one drop of Scottish blood runs through your veins, best you set back and have a wee dram by your side, and salute this True Son of Scotland.
I miss you David
Tim MacLeod
Like Tim Dave was a close pal of mine and I couldn’t believe it when his daughter called me with the sad news today.
I was lucky to spend a lot of time in Dave’s company and he was big Rossy and I was always wee Ross to him.
The big man had a heart of gold and personally helped me out on too many occasions to mention and at all times made me laugh and I knew I could depend on him.
I was lucky enough to travel to Canada with him a good few years back and see him in action when speaking to an audience whether it was 20 or 300 people and he never failed to deliver and make the crowd proud to be Scottish or even to be associated with our country. I don’t think I have ever met a man so passionate about what he did, but for me personally it was more about him as a friend, a father and a man that I grew to love.
You will always have a place in my heart big man.
I would love to hear one of your stupid jokes or stories again but at least I have the memories.
Yu will be missed
Ross Hunter ( wee Ross)
I dinnae know Sir david, i only heard of his great heart for his country.
The sky will have one more star now, his star will shine sae bright o’er scotland and his family, who lost a beloved man.
Good bye Sir David. Take good care on you and watch o’er scotland from your higher place.
“Will ye know my name, when i meet ye in heaven…” Eric Clapton.
With respect and honor
Keagan Fraser MacDonald
We were privileged to meet and hear David on several occasions. His larger than life persona drew one into a history of Scotland that is both awe inspiring and inspiring. To hear him brandishing alternatively claymore and guitar in his kilt , makes one part of that legacy.
To us at the Lennox Heritage Society in West Dunbartonshire, David continues in the history he loved.
David R Ross came along to propose the Toast to Scotland at Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club No 593 some 12 years ago. He held the audience captivated in Beith Community Centre as he highlighted various aspects of the life, times and people of Scotland, delivering his address with humour and sincerity. That he was Knighted for his contribution to the life of Scotland was simply wonderful. Scotland has indeed lost a wonderful character of whom, sadly, we have far too few. Memories are indeed precious. Many folk will remember this larger-than-life character with special memories.