NEW GLASGOW – It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ross Allan Forbes, 63, of New Glasgow, on Sunday, July 26, 2009 in the Aberdeen Hospital. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late John William Barrett and Margaret Catherine (MacDonald) Forbes. He was employed with the Department of Transportation for over 30 years retiring in 1997. Ross was an avid sports fan, having participated in sporting activities in his youth and high school years. In later years, he actively supported and attended local events, especially hockey in winter and baseball in summer. Ross actively promoted the Pictou County area and sport, earning him the unofficial title of “ambassador”. He will be greatly missed by his many coffee club friends whom he met with daily to discuss “matters of importance”, such as, who would win the evening game or the latest political issues. Ross was a very positive person who possessed a generous spirit, wonderful sense of humour and respect for his many friends. Surviving are his wife and best friend of 40 years, Linda (Wilsack) Forbes; precious daughter, Nicolle (Douglas) O’Keefe, Toronto; three grandchildren who worshiped “Papa”, Joey, Sean and Shannon; sister, Grace Thomsen, Truro; brothers, Grant (Donna) Forbes, Lyons Brook; Kevin (Lorraine) Forbes, Edmonton, Alta; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, John and Margaret, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, John P. Thomson. The family will receive visitors 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 29th in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30th in the chapel with Rev. John Roy officiating. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in his memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.