Passing of Willie Ross, Tullis Russell Mills Band
Obituary: Willie Ross (1932 to 2017)
Members of the Tullis Russell organisation said a sad farewell to one of its oldest and longest serving members on Wed 19 July at the funeral of William Cameron Ross, Willie Ross to his friends and family. Willie passed away peacefully on 6 July after a long illness. His wife June was at his side.
Willie Ross started his playing career in 1945 with Bowhill Colliery Band while working as an engineer in the coalmines. Willie moved abroad with work but returned after a nine-year spell in New Zealand. On his return to Fife, he joined the Tullis Russell Mills Band. Willie occupied the baritone, EEb bass and BBb seats at Tullis Russell over a 35 year period and eventually retired from contest playing in 2012.
It was a family affair for Willie as his wife June was also a very active member of the ladies committee at Tullis Russell for many years. After his retirement from playing, Willie was still a frequent visitor to the band hall and still accompanied the band to contests and concerts, supporting the band any way he could. Willie Ross was awarded his Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) Life membership in 2008 and, in 2009, was made an Honorary Life Member of the Tullis Russell Band, one of only five awards made to date by the Tullis Russell organisation.
Willie will be missed by many and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife June and the family at this time.
Steven Craig
