Harold "Ed" Ross, 102, Lead, SD died Sunday, January 08, 2012 at his home.

Ed was born on October 23, 1909 in Lead, SD to Edward and Carrie "Johnson" Ross. They moved to the Wyodak Coal Mine near Gillette, WY in 1923 and he graduated from Campbell County High School in 1927. He graduated from the University of Wyoming, where he played basketball and football, and went on to attend Harvard graduate school. After school he returned to Lead and took a job in the electrical department of Homestake Mining Company. He married Evelyn M. "Teen" Lease in 1936 and had two children, Harold Ross Jr. and Betsy Ross Brown.

In 1945 he was injured in an accident at Homestake Mine and lost significant eyesight. He then moved to Gillette and managed Wyodak Coal Mine for 25 years before retiring and returning to Lead. After Teen's death in 1988 he married Rosemary Hopper in 1993, she passed away in 1995. He continued to live in his own home until his death.

Ed was a brilliant and amazing man who lived a full life of 102 years despite challenges.

Survivors include his son Ed Ross of Casper, daughter Betsy Brown of Spearfish, five grandchildren Scott Ross, Jeff Ross, Sarah Ross, Christina Fuhr and Dudley Brown, seven great-grandchildren and caregiver Jeanette Kendrick.

A Memorial service will be scheduled for the summer. Amemorial fund has been set up at Hospice of the Northern Hills.