Tribute from The Ross family & Editor
David Ross
Born in Barcaldine, central Qld, the eldest of six children, David grew up on the family sheep property 70 miles west of Longreach. His primary education was mostly by correspondence and, after two years as a boarder at Toowoomba Grammar School, the effects of drought on family finances forced him to leave school after his Junior Certificate in 1937.
David joined the State Tax Department in Brisbane and the following year he met Enid Bath when she also joined the Department. In 1939, both were transferred to the State Auditor’s Department, by which time they were firm friends.
Prevented from joining up by manpower regulations, his opportunity came when the regulations were changed and David enlisted in the RAAF as a trainee radar operator in mid-1942. After completing course No. 21 at Richmond, NSW and postings to two Queensland units, he was sent to 29RS, Port Moresby and thence to 306 RS at Bulolo.
Some readers may recall Len Ralph’s story in RR of March 2006 of three airmen from 306RS including David finding several ounces each of gold in the Bulolo Valley, PNG. David moulded his into a crucifix which he took home for Enid, to whom he was then engaged. Sixty-plus years later, some gold from the back of the crucifix was used to make a heart-shaped insert for the wedding ring of one of his granddaughters. David had forgotten how he had come by the gold, so he and the family were delighted when Len visited and was able to give them the details.
In August 1944, on leave after his spell in New Guinea, he married Enid at Gympie, Qld. Discharged in March 1946, David worked for his uncle on a sheep property near Walgett in NSW for a couple of years and then, after a period doing casual bookkeeping jobs, he found work in 1949 as bookkeeper to the local newspaper and radio at Longreach. Soon after, he accepted a position in the town with Queensland Trustees and bought a house. In 1953, the branch was closed and David set up his own business. This prospered and David and Enid became active citizens of Longreach. David was a foundation member of the Rotary Club in the town.
In 1969, David and his brother Alec, with their wives, went into partnership to purchase the family sheep property and made it a success. In 1983, David and Enid decided to move to Beenleigh, selling their home and business, and after a period of part-time accounting practice, David retired to enjoy his family and his interests.
With their family of two daughters and two sons grown up, there were grandchildren, eight in all, and recently the first great-grandchild. His principal interest, quite a lucrative one, was horse racing, with other interests being current affairs, stamps, travel, Rotary, Legacy, etc. He particularly enjoyed participating in the activities of the RAAF Association Radar Branch, and marched each Anzac Day for as long as his health permitted. In August 2007, he and Enid moved into a nursing centre, where they shared a room.
David had a full life with a wealth of experiences. He loved, and was loved by, his family and he made many friends. He will be sadly missed by them all, and we extend to them our sincere sympathy.
Born in Barcaldine, central Qld, the eldest of six children, David grew up on the family sheep property 70 miles west of Longreach. His primary education was mostly by correspondence and, after two years as a boarder at Toowoomba Grammar School, the effects of drought on family finances forced him to leave school after his Junior Certificate in 1937.
David joined the State Tax Department in Brisbane and the following year he met Enid Bath when she also joined the Department. In 1939, both were transferred to the State Auditor’s Department, by which time they were firm friends.
Prevented from joining up by manpower regulations, his opportunity came when the regulations were changed and David enlisted in the RAAF as a trainee radar operator in mid-1942. After completing course No. 21 at Richmond, NSW and postings to two Queensland units, he was sent to 29RS, Port Moresby and thence to 306 RS at Bulolo.
Some readers may recall Len Ralph’s story in RR of March 2006 of three airmen from 306RS including David finding several ounces each of gold in the Bulolo Valley, PNG. David moulded his into a crucifix which he took home for Enid, to whom he was then engaged. Sixty-plus years later, some gold from the back of the crucifix was used to make a heart-shaped insert for the wedding ring of one of his granddaughters. David had forgotten how he had come by the gold, so he and the family were delighted when Len visited and was able to give them the details.
In August 1944, on leave after his spell in New Guinea, he married Enid at Gympie, Qld. Discharged in March 1946, David worked for his uncle on a sheep property near Walgett in NSW for a couple of years and then, after a period doing casual bookkeeping jobs, he found work in 1949 as bookkeeper to the local newspaper and radio at Longreach. Soon after, he accepted a position in the town with Queensland Trustees and bought a house. In 1953, the branch was closed and David set up his own business. This prospered and David and Enid became active citizens of Longreach. David was a foundation member of the Rotary Club in the town.
In 1969, David and his brother Alec, with their wives, went into partnership to purchase the family sheep property and made it a success. In 1983, David and Enid decided to move to Beenleigh, selling their home and business, and after a period of part-time accounting practice, David retired to enjoy his family and his interests.
With their family of two daughters and two sons grown up, there were grandchildren, eight in all, and recently the first great-grandchild. His principal interest, quite a lucrative one, was horse racing, with other interests being current affairs, stamps, travel, Rotary, Legacy, etc. He particularly enjoyed participating in the activities of the RAAF Association Radar Branch, and marched each Anzac Day for as long as his health permitted. In August 2007, he and Enid moved into a nursing centre, where they shared a room.
David had a full life with a wealth of experiences. He loved, and was loved by, his family and he made many friends. He will be sadly missed by them all, and we extend to them our sincere sympathy.