Well-known book-shop owner Dermot Lysaght died on Sunday, February 21st, at Hereford Hospital. He was aged 75.

Mr Lysaght ran Ross Books in partnership with his wife, Tessa for 32 years. They opened a shop at 32 High Street in the Summer of 1978, at the time there were three book shops in Ross. The Lysaghts flourished against the competition, priding themselves on their speed of service. If a book was ordered before midday it would be in the shop the following day without fail. They later moved into the premises in Broad Street.

They encouraged local authors, including Sir Peter De La Billiere, Fred Druce, Jon and Heather Hurley, and Quentin Letts, hosting book launches in Ross Library and in the Heritage Centre. Through his recent ill-health Dermot was saddened to miss out on the hectic run-up to Christmas, with the release of new books and the flurry of sales and orders. But he did his last piece of work for the shop on the Monday before he died dealing, with faxes from home and making telephone calls.

He was very keen on horse-racing and always went to the Cheltenham Festival. He said he was 'dead chuffed' when the local trainer, Venetia Williams, won last year's Grand National winner with Mon Mome. He enjoyed a chat and was knowledgeable about a vast range of subjects.

Dermot was born in Newport, Monmouthshire, and attented Brightlands Scool at Westbury on Severn, and then Daunceys in Devizes. He did National Service in the 8th Hussars and he moved from London to Dymock in 1963. He and Tessa moved to Upton Bishop in 1980. In addition to Tessa, he leaves two children, Cornelius and Georgina, and a granddaughter, Isabella.

The funeral is to be private and there is to be a memorial service at Upton Bishop Church on March 10th.

Chris Robertson