Tributes shared as respected karate sensei and ‘charismatic’ entertainer Ronnie Ross dies, age 71
Tributes have been shared for popular entertainer and Highland Karate Association founder and sensei, Ronald “Ronnie” Ross from Inverness, who died earlier this month.
The loving husband of Sandra, caring dad of Jordan and Nathan, devoted son of Eileen and the late Stewart, Ronnie was 71.
Speaking of Ronnie’s lifelong passion for music and karate, wife Sandra led tributes after announcing his passing on March 6, following a short illness at Raigmore Hospital.
“He will be fondly remembered as a natural and charismatic performer entertaining his audiences,” she said.
“He was very talented and played accordion, keyboard and guitar – and of course was a great vocalist.
“He also wrote his own compositions and recorded these along with many other albums in his own studio. These were a real labour of love.
“Ronnie was a respected Sensei, skilled karateka and founder of the Highland Karate Association, but first and foremost he was a beloved friend to many, referring to the HKA as his second family.
“This was his lifelong passion, and he loved it dearly.”
Ronnie’s family have extended their thanks to the “amazing” staff on wards 5A and 2C at Raigmore Hospital, as well as the MacMillan Cancer Support Team and Community Nurses for their understanding, compassion and care.
Highland Karate Association Chief Instructor Kevin Slaney shared a tribute to Ronnie earlier this week, celebrating his long-term commitment to karate throughout the Highlands.
“Ronnie was involved in karate in Inverness for over 50 years, and led the Highland Karate Association for 40 of those.” he said.
“His passion for karate training and helping others to develop will be his legacy. From travelling to Japan to train in the early 70’s to travelling to England to train just last October, Ronnie exemplified a continued desire to learn and impart that to others.
“He stepped back from weekly teaching at the club a few years ago but still taught at our courses and led the Black Belt grading panel.
“Ronnie held a celebration event in January, and true to form, the event was Ronnie’s opportunity to thank those who have supported him in karate over the years.
“In the lead up to the event, we realised the HKA had turned 40, and took the chance to present him with a cake. He spent time with everyone that day, passing on advice and sharing stories.
“Ronnie leaves us with a strong karate association with clubs in Inverness and Fife. We have a team of highly experienced black belts and our classes are thriving.
“We are committed to honouring Ronnie’s legacy and maintain the high standards which Ronnie set, which have seen the HKA being recognised across the country as a high quality karate group.”
A raft of tributes have been shared on social media since his passing, including Raymond Stewart of Inverness, who hailed the musician as “a good inspiration to many in the word of karate and music”.
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Aidan Trimble said: “Despite his illness he took the time to send me his book and some lovely messages that I will treasure.”
Kanzen Karate, based in Dundee, also shared words of tribute: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friends at Highland Karate Association on the passing of Ronnie Sensei earlier today.
“We hold a minute silence in memory over our sessions this weekend.”
In a statement shared by Caithness Tora Kai Karate Club, Ronnie was noted as “a pioneer for karate in the North of Scotland and an internationally renowned exponent of Traditional Scottish music.”
