Bob Le Roy has deeply affected and inspired a wide swath of our community. His ability to recruit enthusiastic supporters and forge crucial alliances and nurture them to fruitful outcomes is well-recognized, as evidenced by the outpouring of support below.
Personally, I treasure Bob as skilled connector, a terrific nurturer of our passion for the cause and a tireless champion of our work. Bob’s tenure at our chapter was marked by terrific accomplishments, done in his usual quiet, humble manner.
He expanded our revenue and reach, so we’re able to serve more people than ever before in communities big and small. Bob led the way through a successful transition when the chapter joined the national organization, resulting in tremendous efficiencies, greater effectiveness, and real savings. As a leader in the DAC and in the wider community, Bob helped put Alzheimer’s on the radar of our elected leaders—starting with the establishment of a Alzheimer’s state plan and, most recently, passing of an innovative, first-in-the-nation long-term care bill.
From staff and volunteers to board members, from advocates to elected officials, and from community partners to fellow members and leaders of the Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC)—Bob’s influence has been a force for good as we battle this terrible disease. On behalf of the chapter’s board of directors, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Bob for his incredible leadership and unwavering commitment to our cause. Thank you Bob, for always moving us onward together…
Ellen Cole, Chair
Washington State Chapter Board of Directors
“A Tribute to Bob”
From members of the Dementia Action Collaborative
Bob has been a key player in the development and implementation the first Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. His vision helped shape the plan and convene the next generation group called the Dementia Action Collaborative (DAC). His leadership on the DAC Steering Team, DAC Long Term Services and Supports Subcommittee and the DAC Advocacy Subcommittee has led to increased staff support to better integrate dementia into public health, healthcare, long-term supports and services, and developmental disabilities systems. In this recent legislative session, he led the way to a $1 million package to disseminate dementia care best practices to primary care practitioners; expand public information and education using evidence-based public health messaging around brain health, warning signs of dementia and the value of early diagnosis; and promote early legal and advance care planning. The Dementia Action Collaborative extends our heartfelt thanks to Bob for his unsurpassed partnering and leadership. Here, we share our DAC members’ “Tribute to Bob.”
“Book of Gratitude”
From the team at the Washington State Chapter
As we say goodbye to Bob as our fearless leader, our team wanted to show our gratitude for the countless unique ways he has influenced our professional lives and our community as a whole. Here, we share with you a few of the heartfelt messages we received for the “Book of Gratitude,” a scrapbook for Bob, comprised of photos, letters and other mementos. Thank you Bob. We will carry your legacy of commitment and compassion onward together…
“Your kindness and compassion have always shined through in all you do!” – Leslie
“I appreciate all you’ve done, not just for the Chapter, but for the broader community. Your work has touched so many lives. For that, you are an inspiration to me both personally and professionally.” – Carrie
“You have been a bright guiding light for all who worked for you.” – Wes
“I admire your energy, your commitment and how you make people feel welcome and at ease. You are one of a kind.” – Maria
“Through his deep knowledge of the issues and calm demeanor, Bob raised awareness about the importance of responding to the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. His work on the Alzheimer’s State Plan has given us a solid foundation on which to build a dynamic and growing public-private partnership.” – Peter
“When our chapters merged, I thought, ‘that’s the kind of boss that I’d like to work for. He really knows how to look out for and advocate for his employees.’” – Garry
“Thank you for being our fearless leader and carrying us so admirably this far.” – Alice
“Bob, your kind soul, passion and compassion are evident in everything you do. Personally, I can’t thank you enough for believing in me.” – Katya
“You have an amazing way about looking out for everyone, while always taking the time to be present in each and every conversation.”- Hailey
“These years have flown by, with so much accomplished under your thoughtful leadership.” – Joanne
No Bob, you are leaving too soon! 🙂 I have appreciated you and the support you have given to me personally and with our Purple Party here in Moses Lake. Thank you for compassionately carrying the torch of advocacy for this long and terrible disease. Your presence will be greatly missed. The best of luck to you Bob, and THANK YOU!!! Blessings, Laurie Ahmann,
DEAR BOB;
ALTHOUGH I WAS MERELY A VOLUNTEER FOR
FOR SOME YEARS, IN THE QUEEN ANNE OFFICE, YOU ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL PART OF THE GROUP. THE ASSOCATION DID GREAT THINGS UNDER YOUR GUIDEANCE. I ADMIRED YOUR QUIET MANNER IN GETTING TH INGS DONE IN THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY. THANK YOU FROM
TIM AND LYNN HARMON