US Badminton Community Mourns the Loss of Don Ross, who played in the senior division, passed away unexpectedly on Apri 1, 2005 in his home in Indianapolis, IN. He was 56 years old. Of Scottish heritage, Don came to the U.S. in the early 1970s courtesy of the Rolls Royce Company. Over the years, he lived and played badminton in Connecticut, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Indiana. He traveled outside these states to play in various tournaments and at Don Paup’s camp in Washington, D.C. His most recent win occurred earlier this year at the Columbia Senior Men’s Doubles Tournament in which he partnered with Nachi Rai. Many will remember Ross for his challenging touch serve just over the net and into the “T.” He was a superb strategist. He was willing to advise and assist intermediate players, and he did this in a manner that was not offensive. He was helpful and encouraging. If his partner had just hit a very bad shot, Ross would encourage by commenting, “Bad luck.” Ross played in Miami, FL for a number of years. He played at the Englewood Club on the westcoast in the fall of 2004 with his long time friend Ken Blackshaw. Blackshaw had introduced Ross to the joys and benefits of running when they both lived in Atlanta, GA. In addition to badminton and running, Ross enjoyed seeing and owning classic cars. He owned three Jaguars. Ross retired from the Rolls Royce Company in 2003. He had worked for them as an aeronautical engineer, specializing in small jet engines. In the last several years, Ross has become a U.S. citizen, an accomplishment in which he felt some pride. He was diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2004. He was undergoing treatment for this disease when he passed away. The Georgia Badminton Tournament has been rescheduled for August 5-6 and has been renamed the Don Ross Memorial Tournament. Don’s birthday was August 5th. The tournament organizers suggest that participants should bring along a bottle of New Castle Brown Ale. “We will drink to Don and celebrate his life together.” In the small national badminton community in which we live, Don Ross’ departure leaves a huge void. | 
