It’s farewell to our beloved ‘Uncle Brian’
70 year-old died while on holiday in France
Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to well-known former Blairgowrie resident Brian Ross, whose funeral took place at the town’s parish church recently.
Aged 70, the one-time Perth Academy pupil died while on holiday in Burgundy, France, on Tuesday, July 11.
Affectionately known as ‘Uncle Brian’ to his wide circle of friends, he was educated at Perth Junior and then Perth Senior Academy.
The son of the late David Ross, a businessman in Perth, and his wife Catherine, he was born on January 6, 1947, and brought up in Perth’s Rose Crescent.
He later enjoyed an extensive and successful career in the banking and financial industries that took him around the world.
He began his working life with the Bank of Scotland as a clerk at its St John Street branch in Perth in the mid-1960s before moving to Dunkeld.
Following the bank’s merger with the British Linen Bank in 1971, he transferred to head office in Edinburgh, joining a new venture for the organisation – business development.
This fledgling department turned prior convention ‘on its head’ by making direct overtures to businesses already well-established with rival banks in an effort to gain new customers.
Brian’s flair, charm and conviviality made him a ‘natural’ in this environment.
Around that time, the bank was establishing itself as the ‘oil bank’ and much of the effort of the Business Development Department was focused on rapidly developing North Sea oil and gas activities, in which Brian took an increasing interest.
In 1976, the bank opened its first overseas Representative Office in Houston, Texas, to further develop growing links with American oil companies and other related businesses.
Brian transferred to the Houston office where he remained for a few years, travelling far and wide throughout the USA - a bit of a challenge for a reluctant flier.
He established himself firmly in both his business and social lives in Houston - confirmed shortly before his return to Scotland by being appointed a ‘Freeman of the City of Houston,’ an honour which he cherished.
Upon his return to Scotland, he served in Aberdeen, still booming then with North Sea activity.
Brian, however, was beginning to think about pastures new and left the bank to join Aberdeen Asset Management in March, 1987.
He was one of the first 10 employees at the firm when the company was less than four years old.
He remained with them for more than 15 years and held the position of company secretary prior to his retirement in 2002.
His previous roles at Aberdeen had included being head of compliance.
Speaking at the funeral service – held on Tuesday, July 25 – Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “Everyone loved and respected Brian - he was universally liked.
“He had time for everyone in the company and everyone had time for him.
“He was a consummate professional but one who had no airs and graces.
“Not only was he a much-valued and respected employee, Brian was a friend to many of us, especially those of us who shaped Aberdeen Asset Management’s formative years.
“However, his reach was throughout the company and many considered him as much a friend as a colleague.”
Brian had many friends across the north-east and Perthshire, as well as in Blairgowrie, settling in Manor Court after retirement.
Outside of work, Brian spent his time pursing his interests in travel, music, horses, community affairs and languages.
His interest in Scottish country dancing led him to become a teacher to his circle of acquaintances and he was subsequently in much demand at parties.
Brian also helped organise the first of many successful Perth Academy reunions some 15 years ago, which reunited many former pupils from around the globe.
Brian described himself as an “unclaimed treasure” and remained a bachelor.
Mr Gilbert added: “We all hold fond and very happy memories of a truly lovely man who helped shape Aberdeen through its formative years and through the millennium. “He will be truly missed.” Laurence Blair Olpihant, of Blairgowrie, also recounted several personal - and often humorous memories of Brian at the James Street church service.
“He always seemed to be on a diet although he largely ignored the instructions of his various dieticians,” he recalled.
“At the end of one such course a few years ago, he was informed, rather reprovingly, that he had achieved a ‘negative weight loss.’
“Brian was highly delighted by this information!”
A retiring collection was taken on Tuesday for the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association and VSA, a social care charity in Aberdeen.
There will also be a memorial service for Brian at St Machar’s Cathedral, Old Aberdeen, on Tuesday, September 5, at noon.