Born Belfast, January 22, 1925. Died Belfast, August 2, 2008, aged 83
An outstanding figure in the Belfast community, Harold Ross was a deeply religious man for whom the Belfast synagogue played a central role, writes Joe Cohen.
The grandson of Lithuanian Jews fleeing Tsarist oppression, he grew up in a traditionally Orthodox family, attending cheder and taking Jewish studies as part of the curriculum at the Jaffe Elementary School.
He went on to the Belfast Boys' Model School but left at 14 to work with his father, a credit trader. He continued working for 67 years, retiring at 81.
He had an incredible knowledge of the life of the Belfast Jewish community. His recollection of characters and families indicated his deep interest and concern for its welfare.
With his unrivalled knowledge of religious practice - the order of service and the tunes for each prayer -- he often led services. For many years he was acting senior warden and a long-serving council member. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the chevrah gemarah Talmud study group and enjoyed his regular shiurim, studying and discussing talmudic tracts.
A generous contributor to Jewish and non-Jewish charities, he was a respected JP and was held in high esteem by the wider community in Northern Ireland. An active Mason, he twice served as Worshipful Master of King David Lodge. He was also representative of the Grand Lodge of Ireland to the Grand Lodge of Israel.
He is survived by his wife, Reggy née Eppel of Dublin, whom he married in 1950; daughter, Lisa; son, Nigel; and six grandchildren.