Live radio can be daunting, but not for Ross, who, as host, never failed to make everyone laugh or love football a little bit more. But no more, for Ross died this morning at the age of 55.
The single parent suffered a heart attack in his home and attempts by his son Kino, 17, to revive him failed. Kino later wrote on Facebook: “May the voice of my dad live long in radio/commentary history.”
Ross did not allow himself to be the know-all analyst, but rather the fan who, at times, got over excited as a Manchester United supporter.
As one of the most recognisable voices on Malaysian radio, he was also an influential and supportive figure for young people entering broadcasting.
Football pundit and FMT sports columnist Bob Holmes led the tributes to Ross whom many described as “a man of warmth, humour, knowledge, wisdom and joy”.
He said: “It wasn’t just listeners who loved Ross – we pundits did as well. I was a veteran print journalist but a rookie broadcaster back in 2009 and on my first show Ross made me feel I was just chatting with a bunch of mates.
“All the guests were made to feel that way – being put totally at ease as if you were in the pub instead of a studio.”
Holmes said the relaxed, jovial atmosphere created by Ross was conveyed to the listeners “which was one reason the BFM football show has lasted so long”.
“As well as being a natural DJ, Ross’s knowledge of football was second to none. In short, he was the complete package and absolutely perfect as a host.
“He was also considerate and would not press a pundit’s weak spot – such as mine on local football – for which I was especially grateful.
“Since I’m second only to Ross in appearances, I have to say it was a privilege to have worked together with him for so long. RIP, mate,” Holmes said.
Another pundit, Dez Corkhill said Ross would be remembered as a “top man, great dad, passionate sport and football advocate and an excellent media professional”.
The former content supremo of Astro Arena and ESPN Asia said Ross had been a bedrock of his 11 years in Malaysia and his passing came too soon.
“Little did we know that a fabulous gathering, arranged by Ross, last Friday would be our farewell. Our thoughts are with his son, Kino, and the rest of Ross’ family. We lost a good one today.”
Australian television and radio broadcaster, Jason Dasey, said he met Ross at the 2006 World Cup and they became friends. In 2009 they became colleagues when he joined Astro.
“Putting together a bunch of new shows and coverage around the Premier League, I couldn’t think of a better person to rope in. Ross was absolutely brilliant on Bola@Mamak and Football Overload,” Dasey wrote in a Facebook post.
“He taught me plenty as one of Southeast Asia’s best radio broadcasters when I occasionally appeared on his BFM radio shows,” he added.
Ross’s other shows included “On the Ball”, “Off The Ball”, “Life’s a Pitch” and “Thank Friday it’s Football’, a collaboration with FMT.
He started his radio career at Astro’s AMP Radio Networks in 1997 as a presenter on Hitz FM, and later Mix FM where he soon became the in-house football pundit.
Ross quit AMP in 2005 and became a freelance football commentator on radio and television before joining BFM radio in 2009.
His regular programme every Monday and Friday night has featured the likes of Corkhill, Holmes, Arvind Sidhu, Bojan Hodak, Craig Wilkie, Craig Morraies, Gogulan Dorairajoo, Vijhay Vick, Nicolas Anil and Keeshaanan.