TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Redditch man Augustus Ross who has passed away aged 77.

Mr Ross, also affectionately known as Bibsy, was a familiar face in Redditch through a varied career across the town.

He was a well-known face during nights out in Redditch through his work as a doorman at pubs and clubs, and through his years at the British Aluminium Company where he served as a shop steward.

His family have been deeply moved by the tributes that have poured in from the community after his death on September 12.

His eldest daughter Sandra Ross said: “We would like to thank everybody for their messages they have sent, it’s been very comforting to know he was so well loved. It’s made us so proud of who he was and the contribution he made to Redditch.

“People have been coming up to us, saying he was a top man, the king. Redditch won’t be the same without him.”

Mr Ross arrived in Redditch as a teenager from Kingston, Jamaica in 1959 and spent the rest of his life in the town, where he became a popular figure and raised a family, becoming a father to six children, grandfather to 20 children, and great-grandfather to 22 children.

Sandra added: “He became very popular as he was quite a loveable character. He was such a chatty person, a lot of people got to know him.”

His varied career saw him spend many years at the British Aluminium Company and as a taxi and lorry driver. Later in life he worked as a driver for children with disabilities, taking them to school, a job he loved, Sandra said.

Redditch Advertiser: Mr Ross' funeral will take place on Friday, October 15 at St Stephen's Church. Mr Ross' funeral will take place on Friday, October 15 at St Stephen's Church.

He served as a shop steward during his time at British Aluminium where he worked to improve conditions for workers, an experience his daughter Wendy Ross credits with inspiring her to pursue a career in health to improve the lives of others.

Wendy said: “I remember when I was three years old my dad took me on a protest march for workers and I remember sitting on his shoulders excited but scared and marching up Ipsley street heading towards Mount Pleasant.

“He always strived to bring about better outcomes he was caring towards his work colleagues and everyone he met.

“Fast forward 10 years later as I walked home from school one day and passed the British Aluminium on the Studley Road I looked towards the offices and saw my dad in a meeting in one of the office rooms.

“He looked out the window and saw me, we waved to each other’s I felt so proud to see him in the meeting.

“I got my degree in with honours in Health Promotion so that I too could help people become empowered and bring about improvements for better quality of life.”

Mr Ross’ funeral will be held on Friday October 15 at St Stephen’s Church, with a procession taking place beforehand from his home in Abbeydale to the church. He will be laid to rest at Westall Park before a celebration of his life at South Redditch Social Club.

Sandra said anybody who wishes to attend is welcome to celebrate her father’s life.