LONG term resident of Earby, then Colne, latterly part time musician and gardener and retired photographer and lecturer, Ross Ditchburn, has died aged 72 after a courageous battle with Covid and pneumonia on January 3.

His died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at Airedale General Hospital.

Ross was born in Sunderland, on February 11, 1949. A baby boomer, he took part in the 1960s counterculture, which helped shape many of his lifelong values, leading to him completing his Fine Arts degree at Sunderland University and setting up Ross Ditchburn Photography in 1981.

Alongside running the business for 30 years, he later went into teaching and became an examination standards specialist at a national level.

Ross took great care to help his students and extended his help to many friends and family over the years.

Ross had a broad hinterland of interests. He was a well-read man, with a great love of music and art, visiting many museums and art galleries, organizing both music festivals and art exhibitions, he himself played in several bands, but he also loved a simple evening with friends and a pint of beer in hand.

He also loved and appreciated the great British outdoors. All his life Ross explored the hills of Britain, hiking many long-distance trails and mountains, finding beauty in nature, capturing much of it on film. He also loved gardening and plants, evolving this interest into a business, post his official retirement.

In later years he took up ballroom dancing with his partner Carol. His fun-loving personality was contagious and to many he became a local notable.

Ross is survived by his partner Carol, Trevor and Ben, his sons, three grandchildren, a sister, Maggie, many cousins and two nephews. A service will be held at Christchurch Skipton on Monday, January 24 at 1.30 pm, followed by a short ceremony at 2.10pm at Skipton Crematorium, and reception afterwards. Details to be shared at the church.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and correspondence.