Well-loved Grantown character to be laid to rest on Friday
Grantown residents will get the chance to say goodbye to one of the town's big characters this Friday.
Johnny Ross passed away peacefully at his home Netherby, on Mossie Road, on Thursday evening with his family by his side after a long battle with prostate cancer fought with bravery and courage.
Mr Ross, who ran John Ross Funeral Services for more than five decades, was 72.
He will be laid to rest on Friday at the town's new ceremony after the funeral cortège drives through the Strathspey capital giving people a chance to pay their respects to the well-loved former funeral director.
His daughter, Nikki, took over the business two years ago when Mr Ross stepped back from the family business of five generations.
She told the Strathy: "He was a great dad and also business person. He is going to be such a big miss. Dad stepped away from the business two years ago but kept an eye on it from the comfort of his sofa.
"It is a real shame that he did not have longer to enjoy his retirement after serving the community for so long.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the medical staff in Grantown and Raigmore Hospital, the district nurses who have been incredible, Marie Curie Nurses, the community, family and friends and our loyal team of staff who we consider to be part of the John Ross Funeral Services family, for their care, kindness and support."
The funeral cortège will leave the company's funeral home at 12.30pm passing through South Street, Heathfield Road, Castle Road East and onto Mr Ross' home on Mossie Road which he shared with long-time partner, Elaine.
The procession will then travel to Inverallan Church and Church Avenue before heading down the High Street, led by Nikki and Spud the Piper, and onto the cemetery on the outskirts of the town.
Residents are welcome to turn out to pay their respects while abiding by social distancing measures as the private funeral service will be limited to a small number of family and friends in-keeping with lockdown restrictions.
Nikki said that her dad, who was renowned for his sense of humour, would have enjoyed the thought of people turning out to see him down the street.
Mr Ross was also a keen golfer and a member of the town's golf club and a supporter and one-time committee member for the town's Highland League club Strathspey Thistle.
More than 500 comments have been posted on John Ross Funeral Services Facebook in tribute to Mr Ross since notice of his death was posted on Sunday.
Robert Brookes posted: "Johnny was a great respected man. One who helped many a family in their time of grief. He shall be deeply missed."
Denise Mckeever stated: "He was such a lovely, caring gentleman. An old fashioned gent through and through. Will be greatly missed. Huge part of our community."
Elaine Mann posted: " He had the heartiest laugh ever. Always something cheeky to say but very professional when it mattered the most. Deepest condolences."
Mr Ross is survived by Elaine, daughter Nikki, son Calum who lives in the United States, and was a doting grampa to Ella, Lola, Phoebe, Abigail, Sebastian and Charlie. He was a dear brother of Gill and Chay and a great friend to many.
