Dougie Ross of Balafark Farm, Fintry, passed away unexpectedly at home in mid-February, aged just 59 years.

He was widely known in farming, village life and the rugby sporting world. Indeed, in a village of only around 600, there was an astonishing turnout of 900 wanting to pay tribute at his funeral.

The walk to the cemetery on the Kippen Road leaving Fintry was likely the largest ever seen in Fintry’s history. Many were aware that he was laid to rest in a cemetery surrounded by his own sheep, just weeks away from lambing.

The love for Dougie’s infectiously good-humoured company was evident in the tearful, strapping, kilted rugby colleagues who carried him on his final journey.

Born in Stirling, in 1962, his father and family were of the well-known Ross’s Dairies, which was a household name in West of Scotland and beyond.

Dougie was a cattle and sheep farmer from childhood days and answered his Fintry Primary 1 teacher’s question of: “Well, Douglas, are you going to be a farmer when you grow up?” with a very pointed, “ No! I’m already a farmer!”

He was a family man through and through and was inseparable from his school-days sweetheart and wife, Brenda, manager of the Fintry Sports and Recreation Club. He was a skilled water and snow skier and competitor and coach in Scottish National Tug o’ War Championships.

But it was his contribution to national rugby leagues that made him a legendary figure. He was, for many seasons, captain of Strathendrick and set many West of Scotland records.

He taught everyone to respect other countries and went out of his way to learn the language and sing other national anthems along with the opposition at international games. He was a skilled after-dinner speaker and auctioneer, raising thousands for charities.

In the last few months he took on a challenge to do 25 press-ups for 25 days, in aid of RSABI, providing emotional and financial help for farmers and crofters in need. Of course Dougie, took the challenge several steps higher, video posting his daily press-ups, starting on the kitchen floor and graduating onto tractors, tree tops and even re-appearing fully immersed, from under an ice-cold river.

He also appeared in panto and musicals with his local drama club and everyone who encountered Dougie remarked on his constant up-beat, spontaneous and heart warming humour. He would step up and volunteer in any task if he saw help was needed.

Dougie is survived by his wife, Brenda, son Scott, daughter Karen, parents, Iain Ross and Rosie Walters, and brother Iain. Both brothers lost their younger brother, Donald, aged 37 in 2007.

David Smith, Humanist Celebrant