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Everton chaplain Reverend Harry Ross sadly passed away on Saturday morning.

Reverend Ross died peacefully aged 78, following a long illness.

Harry served as parish vicar for St. Luke's, next door to Goodison Park, from 1977 until reluctantly retiring in 2010 - and served as the Blues' club chaplain from 1994.

Prior to joining the church, Reverend Ross had been a mathematics teacher at St George of England High School in Bootle and was also a lay reader.

The 78-year-old was given the choice of four churches to join back in 1977, but famously said "that's the one" when hearing St Luke's as the second option - as he was a lifelong Evertonian.

Harry Ross was a trustee in the Everton Former Players Foundation and continued his work with them and as club chaplain after retiring as vicar as St Luke's.

Reverend Ross took the funerals of Harry Catterick, Brian Labone, Wally Fielding, Gordon West, Dave Hickson, Mick Buckley and Andy King.

Harry also served a number of local schools as a governor.

A statement on Everton's official website read: "Reverend Harry Ross was a hugely popular and endearingly familiar figure around Goodison Park. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, and the thoughts of everyone associated with the Football Club are with his wife Wendy and his sons Andrew and Philip."

A number of Blues supporters have also shared their thoughts after the passing of a much-loved figure among the community.

Harry has been ill for some years, but I never heard him complain and he was always keen to stay involved in anything Everton.

A lovely humble man who will be reaping his rewards with Dixie, Bally and the other dearly departed blues.

Finally at peace Harry.

— Bren Connolly (@BlueBren) June 29, 2019

Such sad news, always had a kind and cheery word with me when i saw him at GP. RIP — Hywel Jones (@HywelJones2) June 29, 2019

RIP Harry, a good man who did a brilliant job when doing a friend’s funeral a few years ago, made it really personal to him. Two massive Evertonians reunited. NSNO. — Andy Forsyth (@Andy_Forsyth) June 29, 2019

Met him a couple of times. A real gent. RIP . — Neil Blanchard (@Spartanblue67) June 29, 2019

Such a lovely man and great blue.

So many good times with him.

Prayers to his family and friends — Andrew Lancel (@AndrewLancel) June 29, 2019