Assisted suicide campaigner Gordon Ross dies aged 67

By The Press Association14th January 2016News ScotlandAssisted Suicide Bill, End Of Life Care, News Scotland

A prominent right-to-die campaigner has lost his fight for life in hospital at the age of 67.

Gordon Ross, who suffered from multiple health problems including Parkinson’s disease, had been pursuing a legal action calling for guidance to be issued over assisted suicide in Scotland.

The severely-disabled grandfather from Glasgow was admitted to hospital in the city last week with pneumonia and died on Wednesday from that and his other medical issues. He was surrounded by his family and friends.

Prior to his death, Mr Ross (pictured) had been pursuing a case at the Court of Session in Edinburgh to clarify the law surrounding anyone who might help him to end his own life.

Mr Ross, who lived in a Glasgow care home, wanted Scotland’s top prosecutor, the Lord Advocate, to issue “sufficiently clear guidance” clarifying whether any such person would be charged with an offence.

Guidelines have been published by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in England and Wales but they do not apply in Scotland.

A judge dismissed the initial petition but an appeal against that decision was heard by three judges at the same court last month. The court has not yet issued its ruling.

Mr Ross, a retired TV producer and Humanist celebrant, was a member of Friends At The End (FATE), an organisation campaigning for a change in the law on assisted dying in Scotland.

Sheila Duffy, convener of the organisation, said: “Gordon was a doughty fighter who passionately believed the law should be changed.

“Despite his numerous health problems which would have floored a lesser individual, he worked tirelessly to support the assisted dying cause and never lost his sense of humour.

“Our thoughts are with his family, who supported his stance, at this sad time.”

Mr Ross also played an important part in the development of Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) in several roles, including as treasurer.

Former HSS chair Leslie Mitchell said: “Gordon Ross played a crucial role in the development of HSS, considerably more than his role as treasurer would suggest.

“He helped to grow the society from a small group of like-minded individuals into the large professional campaigning organisation we are today.”

Mr Mitchell added: “Gordon was an incredibly kind and generous man, always ready to stand up for the rights of others and modest about his own significant achievements.

“Gordon was motivated by his desire to promote a rational, ethical and secular Scotland. He remained active and engaged throughout his illness, and played a key role in Scotland’s national debate around assisted suicide.

“I was proud to call Gordon a friend and will miss him immensely.”