'A gem of guy' who went the extra mile – tributes to former Inverness Depute Provost Graham Ross
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Tributes have poured in following the death of a popular man dedicated to his community and family to the very end.
Former Inverness Depute Provost Graham Ross, who has died aged 67, has been described as hardworking, caring and “a gem of guy” who made a difference.
Voices from across the political spectrum, including a Scottish Government minister, also joined in the tributes to Mr Ross who served as a representative for Inverness West from 2012 until he resigned in May 2021 for family reasons.
Mr Ross, who passed away peacefully at Raigmore Hospital, leaves a son, Steven. His wife, Helen, died in April last year.
Many have taken to social media to express their sadness and recount his commitment to the community.
Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick, who is also Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, expressed her sorrow in a post.
"I loved working with Graham and it was always a treat to bump into him and stop to chat," she said. "A very kind and interesting man."
Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans described him as "a wonderful person" and added: "He had so much time for others and always ready with some brilliant banter."
Former Skye councillor Ronald MacDonald recalled: "As a newly minted councillor back in 2017, I had great respect for Graham as he was able to combine modesty and decency with a strong approach to representing his constituents and was a very able supporter and guide to those of us who were new to the Council."
Others who knew him through his community work described him as an "absolute gem of a guy", a lovely man and neighbour who always looked out for everyone in the neighbourhood and was committed to improving Inverness.
They included Dave Conner who recalled: "The great work he did over many years in Community Education and then in retirement as a Highland Councillor benefited Inverness in so many ways.
"I am forever grateful to him for his stalwart support and help during my time as resident police beat officer for Kinmylies in 1980s."
Amanda Fraser posted: "Always had time for a smile and laugh and he loved our community events and was a great support with our Kinmylies United football teams for many years," she said.
Lorna McDiarmid recalled he helped set up a basketball club at Charleston and Kit Slater said he was instrumental in setting up Glenurquhart Youth Club.
Steven Wheeler described him as "a legend" who would go the extra mile to help anyone.
