Life has an order of priorities and family is obviously the first one
Ross 71. Married, five children. Two grandchildren. Paper salesman.
How are you?
I should be more content than I am but that's basically down to the pandemic. My industry was already dying. I’ve been doing my job most of my life and been self employed for most of the time which presents its own challenges when you're trying to bring up five children!
How do you manage that burden? I’m so used to it, I've always had that worry. I have to do my best to make provision for a wife who is 18 years younger than me. The pandemic meant, unfortunately the closure of many companies in my trade, It’s going to take a while to recover.
You have a Scottish accent but you grew up in London? We moved to London in 1959 because my dad was promoted being a buyer for Selfridges. Mum was looking after the four of us. She had lots of differnt jobs; a wedding photographer, a welfare assistant having graduated from being a dinner lady.
How do you feel about death?
I contemplate it in practical terms. I wish I knew when it was going to happen so I could make plans for the rest of my family. The fact that it’s been unkind enough to hide itself date-wise from me, is very inconsiderate. My daughter has asked where I want to be buried. I really don't care. I’m passed caring. I don't have a romantic image. When it happens it happens. On my headstone write ‘He did the best he could!’ I digress.