ULF Ericson, the chairman of the board that oversaw the merger of Albury and Wodonga hospitals, has died at the age of 69.
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The accountant and barrister had been diagnosed with cancer in July and died at the specialist centre, he lobbied for, on New Year’s Day.
As well as leading Albury Wodonga Health, Mr Ericson was chairman of the Hume Building Society (1998 to 2012) and chairman of Wodonga TAFE (2014 to 2016).
He also headed the Albury-Wodonga Area Consultative Committee and the Murray Valley branch of the Australian Institute of Management.
Albury Wodonga Health chairman Lou Lieberman lauded his predecessor’s skill in forming Australia’s first cross border hospital body.
“He showed enormous courage and vision in that inaugural role because there were lots of complexities which people hadn’t identified with different laws between the states,” Mr Lieberman said.
“But he knew what needed to be done and he was very resolute and very determined.”
Mr Lieberman said Mr Ericson had also been tenacious in lobbying for the regional cancer centre.
“I like to think that project would not have been there today without the work of Ulf and his board,” Mr Lieberman said.
“It’s very easy to say ‘when we get a grant it will happen’, the hard work comes after the grant is announced and he was terrific in his determination.”
Wodonga TAFE chairwoman Allison Jenvey said the institute had “lost a dear friend and colleague”.
Mr Ericson was a mentor to her after having lectured her in accountancy at Charles Sturt University and encouraged her to serve on boards.
“He was extremely committed in bringing the organisation he led to be best practice in all fields,” Ms Jenvey said.
“He always looked on the bright side and had a quick wit which was enjoyable.”
Albury businessman Bert Eastoe said Mr Ericson’s character was apparent when in his own time he travelled to Wagga on a Saturday to speak to walnut growers about taxation.
“He was a great advocate for small business and through his support with the Australian Institute of Management and area consultative committee he gave his time generously for the Albury-Wodonga region,” Mr Eastoe said.
