On the afternoon of Saturday 30th November 2024 the unthinkable happened. We lost our good friend Ross (Duncan, Albert, McNab) Blair, and his beloved side-kick Tank.

To many the ins and outs of how that came to be are incomprehensible, the way in which it occurred too crazy to be real. But to those who knew and loved him those ins and outs are now irrelevant, he was ours and the good times are all we need to define our thoughts of him now.

He may not have realised it in recent times, but Ross was always held in the highest regard by his friends and his loss has hit us harder than anyone could have ever imagined, harder than the loss of any friend, I can recall to date. Forever the centre of attention for reasons good or bad, but never indifferent. I don’t think there is any other person walking the streets of Knottla whose death has sent such a massive ripple of grief across the town like Ross’s has, even with his ‘occasional’ faults. To me that says it all, a true testament to his character, and what a character he was, let’s face it there aren’t many left these days.

Though money should be the last concern of any grieving family, unfortunately there is no escaping the stress that it can bring, especially at this time of year, so it would be nice to lend his Mum (Jan) a hand, the person most affected by what has happened. To put some financial perspective on things the average funeral costs circa. £4,500 these days, not allowing for any other incidental or associated costs e.g. wake catering etc. For clarity I’d like to stress this page was put together after discussions between some of Ross’s close friends, but the final stamp of approval was given by Jan after being presented with the idea.

Note: For transparency all funds raised will be distributed directly from GoFundMe to Ross’s Mum Jan for her to use as she sees fit with our blessing.

So, please give if you can, but only what you are comfortable with, the amount is irrelevant, the sentiment is what counts, and let’s face it for those of us close to him it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve donated to the Blair fund so one last dip in our pockets won’t hurt ;) For Ross money was easy come, easy go, one tale that landed in the recent Facebook comments captured this perfectly…

‘Penrith midweek. Ross asked to lend £20 to get him through the week. No problem mate. Walking back to the digs after a pint in town I walk past this posh Italian restaurant and there is Blair, table for one, 8oz Steak and a Bottle of Red. I knock on the window to let him know he’s been rumbled, and he simply raises his glass. What a guy!’

Writing this hasn’t been easy, but life has to go on. How do I know? Ross told me that himself a couple of years ago. Funny how I can remember the details of that conversation with him, and all the others, so clearly now, but couldn’t tell you what I had for my breakfast just yesterday. That’s the Blair effect! He was right, life does have to go on, but it does not mean that we have to forget, and I know we’re all still going to be telling our ‘Blair’ stories for years to come whenever old friends are together.

Like I said, give if you can, every donation will be appreciated and help make things just a tiny bit easier for the family. Cheers, Rob.

For info: The funeral will be held at 11am on Friday the 27th December 2024 at T. F. Morritt, Racca Green, Knottingley, WF11 8AT then all are welcome back to The Progressive Club, Ferrybridge to celebrate the life of our one off friend. For anyone unable to attend there will be a live stream of the service: CLICK HERE