Cam Ross, of Kirkland

Last updated at 13:11, Friday, 01 February 2013

Tributes have been paid to Cam Ross, a dedicated and passionate councillor who has died at the age of 76.

COMMUNITY: Cam Ross

Mr Ross, who represented the Distington and Moresby area for many years, died at his Kirkland home on January 22.

He leaves wife Mary, daughters Alison and Ailsa, and four grandchildren.

A Labour man, Mr Ross was elected to represent the Distington and Moresby area on Cumbria County Council in 2001, and served three terms.

Brian Dixon, a friend and colleague, said that Mr Ross was instrumental in bringing about a number of road improvements in the area.

“He was committed to having the new A595 bypass built and it was a real victory when that was finally built in 2009,” said Mr Dixon.

Mr Ross also worked hard to secure funding for a new footbridge that joins Parton and Lowca.

Mr Dixon added: “These are pieces of work that Cam was heavily involved in that people in this area will benefit from for years to come.

“Cam was a fine, upstanding man who was very committed to his family and the people he represented.

“He was an all round good man and will be a real loss to the community.”

A highly active councillor, he was a serving member on the Lake District National Park Authority, a county council representative on the North West Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, a member of adult scrutiny advisory board, the environment and economy scrutiny advisory board and the safer and stronger scrutiny advisory board. He was also a Distington parish councillor.

A minute’s silence was observed at last week’s meeting of Cumbria County Council’s local committee for Copeland.

Chairman Frank Morgan said: “Cam was an excellent councillor for his community, and his is a sad loss for the committee, the community and the people he represented.”

Stewart Young, deputy leader of the county council and leader of the Labour group, said: “Cam will be a great loss to the Labour group. His knowledge and experience was greatly valued, and his wise counsel will be sadly missed.

“Distington has lost a highly respected representative and our thoughts are with his family at their time of loss.”

Eddie Martin, leader of Cumbria County Council, added: “Cam was a gentle man and a committed councillor who put the interest of his community high on his priority list.”

A service was held at Distington Hall on Tuesday. Donations can be made in Mr Ross’s memory to Hospice at Home, c/o F Irving & Son Funeral Directors, 153 Main Street, Frizington, CA28 5SB.

First published at 12:51, Friday, 01 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk