The Trustees of Brading Roman Villa are very sad to announce that our friend, colleague and trustee, Dr Ross Thomas, passed away unexpectedly on 14th November after surgery.
Career inspired by living near the Villa
We were delighted to have Ross join us as trustee a little over a year ago, not only as an archaeologist with an array of fieldwork on land and underwater across the Hellenistic and Roman worlds and a curator of the Department of Greece and Rome at the British Museum, but also because he had grown up near Brading Roman Villa, often saying that it was an inspiration for his future career.
He was committed to public and professional service. Ross was a keen supporter of students, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, organising annual British Museum placements.
International reputation
With broad experience and strong relationships with international institutions, antiquities services and learned societies, he served on several boards and was keenly aware of the role and responsibilities of charitable trusts, such as ours.
In the brief time he was a trustee of Brading Roman Villa, we had the benefit of his enthusiasm and empathy for our site, and ideas for the future, which will not be forgotten.
Two young children
He was just 44 years old and is survived by his two children, 7 and 4, his wife, parents and brother. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues and our thoughts are with them all at this time.
Further information on memorial arrangements and the family’s wishes concerning contact will be made available when possible.
Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to support the family – with almost £12,000 already raised – for those who would like to make a donation.
News shared by Brading Roman Villa, in their own words. Our thoughts are with Ross’s family and friends. Ed
