A TREASURE, cornerstone of Carlisle and an absolutely gentleman - Harry Ross will leave a massive gap that can’t be filled.

Those are some of the moving tributes paid to the long-standing former landlord of the Howard Arms, in Carlisle, who died on Sunday, aged 66.

Harry’s friends say they will always remember the warm and welcoming atmosphere he created in the pub, which he and his wife Pat took over in 1984 and transformed into one of the most popular drinking spots in the city.

Stephen Dunn, a regular during their 30-year tenure, said: “He completely revitalised it and made it a homely place. He made it like many people’s living rooms. He worked so hard. He was always there. He was the perfect host.

“He was just a treasure really. Like many, I will never forget him.

“He really cared about people. My heart goes out to his family. He genuinely did mean a lot to a lot of people, still does and always will. He was an absolute gentleman."

Harry also supported Stephen’s band The Daisychain Connection by sponsoring their first single, while the Howard Arms became the band’s spiritual home.

The pub was popular with journalists and council workers, particularly when the lunchtime pint was fashionable, and Harry became a fountain of local knowledge. “He embraced the history and became part of it,” said Stephen continued. “He established himself as a cornerstone of Carlisle.”

Retired rugby player Paul Norman remembers the days when Creighton and Carlisle rugby players would congregate in the Howard Arms on a Saturday. Harry supported the teams and even joined Creighton on tour.

“The amount of teams he supported over the years has just been immense,” said Paul, 53. “He entertained both rugby clubs in the town and his pub was a focal point for us all to go to.

“I’m genuinely stuck for words. My thoughts are with Pat and Craig. There will be a massive gap that can’t be filled. I’m not just speaking on behalf of myself, I’m speaking on behalf of Creighton Rugby Club and Carlisle Rugby Club as well. I know all the boys there will be thinking the same thing.”

Harry, of Wetheral, leaves his wife Pat and son Craig.