Daughter of right-to-die campaigner pays tribute to "brave" dad

Gordon Ross, age 65 pictured at home in Glasgow. Gordon, who has Parkinson's disease, is taking legal action to seek the right for help in ending his life protecting anyone who helps him from prosecution..... Photograph by Colin Mearns..6 February 2014.

Rachel Loxton, Reporter / 04:55 Thursday 14 January 2016 / 

THE daughter of a campaigner who made legal history when he asked Scotland's top court for guidance on assisted suicide paid tribute to her "brave" dad.

Gordon Ross, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2005, died in the early hours of yesterday, surrounded by his family, at the age of 67.

The grandfather-of-five had been admitted to hospital two weeks ago with pneumonia. Mr Ross died as a result of that and his other medical issues just after midnight.

The former human celebrant and TV producer has opted to donate his brain to research into Parkinson's disease.

Mr Ross, who lived in a care home in Glasgow's South Side, was described as "intelligent and caring".

His condition had deteriorated significantly in the past three years and he could no longer walk or do simple tasks.

His daughter Veronica Ross, 45, said: "We are so proud of dad.

"I've always thought of him as an intelligent and caring man and he's been so brave throughout all of this.

"He was stubbornly independent, which was great and I think that's what's kept him going all this time."

Mr Ross supported the recent Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill and served as a treasurer of 

the Humanist Society Scotland (HSS).

Following the defeat of the Bill on May 27 last year, Mr Ross unsuccessfully tried to launch a Judicial Review calling for the Lord Advocate to issue prosecution guidance to provide greater clarity of what charges might be brought to someone who assists a terminally ill person unable to take their own life.

Last month, an undeterred Mr Ross continued his fight and launched an appeal at the Court of Session to overturn the decision.

The family said they would wait to find out the outcome of this judgement before deciding how or if they will continue his battle.

As well as Veronica, his children Jennifer, Adam and Jon also supported his campaign.

Mr Ross was a classical music enthusiast, loved the theatre - and used to love knitting Arran jumpers.

One of his close friend's Marbeth Boyle called Mr Ross a "good man". 

The human celebrant added: "He was a very empowered man. He was a very kind man

"He was very partial to a cup of tea and a scone.

"He was very disabled physically but he was still a very clear thinker. There would be a conversation going on and he'd just pull himself up as best he good then throw in very insightful comments."

Ms Boyle said his fight for clarity over assisted suicide laws was driven by the need for equality.

She said: "As a disabled person he wanted to be able to have the option to die peacefully and in dignity - able bodied people have that choice.

"He wanted to know that if he did it, would anyone else be prosecuted?"

Former chairman of HSS, Leslie Mitchell, who is also a close friend of the campaigner, said: “Gordon Ross played a crucial role in the development of HSS, considerably more than his role as treasurer would suggest.

“He helped to grow the society from a small group of like-minded individuals into the large professional campaigning organisation we are today.

“Gordon was an incredibly kind and generous man, always ready to stand-up for the rights of others, and modest about his own significant achievements.

“Gordon was motivated by his desire to promote a rational, ethical and secular Scotland. He remained active and engaged throughout his illness, and played a key role in Scotland’s national debate around assisted suicide.

“I was proud to call Gordon a friend, and will miss him immensely.”

HSS chief executive Gordon MacRae called Mr Ross a "champion of humanist values".

He added: "It is a very sad day.

"Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this difficult time.

“Towards the end of his life, Gordon faced significant challenges with his health, despite this he resolved to play a significant part in the public debate in Scotland around the right-to-die. Gordon made a significant contribution to Humanist Society Scotland, and he will be sadly missed by our members.

eventual reform of the law to allow people who wish it the right to die with compassion and dignity.”

Mr Ross leaves behind his children, his five grandchildren and his sister Margaret Strathdee.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14203872.Daughter_of_right_to_die_campaigner_pays_tribute_to__brave__dad/