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Friends and colleagues of Ros Strong, former Chair of the Asthma Foundation NSW, share memories after her recent passing.
It was with immense sadness that Asthma Australia heard that long time Chair of Asthma Foundation NSW had passed away following an illness.
Ros was well known for her compassion and generosity and was actively involved in many organisations, including the not-for-profit Sydney Community Foundation and UNIFEM Australia.
After working in school education, her career spanned over 35 years in the NSW Public Sector. She served as Chair of numerous not-for-profit and non-government organisations including the Asthma Foundation of NSW, before that merged to become part of Asthma Australia.
Ros will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman said, “’A born leader’, ‘a force of nature’ and ‘a force for good’ are just a few of the terms used to describe Ros by her family, friends and colleagues. Ros was Chair of Asthma Foundation NSW when I began my journey with the organisation. She had an incredible sense of purpose demonstrated through her many and valued contributions to the community. She was not one to settle with the status quo and was passionate in the quest to do better and encourage and inspire those around her to do the same. Strategically astute, articulate and persuasive, no challenge was too great for Ros – including doing the groundwork to support a national merger. Ros you will be remembered fondly by all those whose lives you touched.”
Lindsay Cane said, “When Ros took on the role of Chair of Asthma Foundation NSW, she knew very clearly what she wanted to achieve for the Foundation and the people served by the Foundation. Her leadership was strong and her commitment deep. Whatever Ros did, she did it with an intensity and energy that few could match. Through the Asthma Foundation Ros made a most significant contribution to the wellbeing of others, a theme which is repeated throughout all parts of Ros’s abundant and generous life”.
“It was an honour and a privilege to serve as a board member of the Asthma Foundation under Ros’ leadership,” Ian Buddery said. “She had a commanding presence and keen intellect, delivered always with grace and humour. ‘What’s past is prelude’ was a favourite saying of hers and remains with me to this day. Ros set the course for the Foundation that ultimately resulted in the merger to form Asthma Australia, this is her gift to all of us.”
Bev Adcock added, “I knew and worked with Ros from the day she joined Asthma Foundation. Ros had contagious energy and commitment. As I said often, she took the Foundation into the 21st century with vigour and vision. As President, she and I were colleagues. She was a dear friend and I will always think of her with affection and great respect.”