ORBIS president and board member, The Honorable Oliver Foot, dies

New York-ORBIS International in a statement announced its sadness at the death of its president and member of the board of directors, the Honorable Oliver Foot. He was 61 years old.

Foot joined ORBIS as executive director in 1982 and was appointed president in 1987. He served as a ORBIS international board member, as well as a member of ORBIS Canada and ORBIS Taiwan.

He was dedicated to reduce human suffering caused by blindness and this was evident in his work with ORBIS. Foot led the ORBIS team of voluntary physicians, nurses, and aviators who flew to nearly 80 developing countries. Also, he led fundraising efforts that raised more than $200 million in North America, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Hong Kong to fund the humanitarian work of ORBIS

"Oliver's passing is of enormous import to ORBIS as an organization but also to a great many of us as individuals. He gave so much of himself and was such a kind and generous spirit that he was loved all over the world. He certainly meant a lot to me as a mentor, boss, friend, and brother, and I cannot imagine feeling any loss more deeply," said Geoffrey Holland, ORBIS executive director and chief executive officer. "I hope that while mourning the loss of such a very special friend, we can all also celebrate his life and remember what a pleasure it has been to know him."