Ross, MDA leader for 44 years, dies at 86

Ross "lived and breathed MDA" and "almost never" missed a day on the job until he fell and broke a hip at his home about two weeks ago, MDA spokesman Bob Mackle said.

Ross joined MDA in 1955 as public information director. He became executive director of MDA in 1962 and was named president and chief executive officer in 2001.

"Bob Ross was a remarkably dedicated leader, who developed MDA from its early days as a handful of local chapters into its status as one of the nation's and world's best-known health organizations," said Lois West, chairwoman of MDA's board of directors, in a release.

In 1966, Ross persuaded comedian Jerry Lewis, already active in MDA fund-raising, to host a telethon on Labor Day to raise funds for the organization. The annual campaign became of the nation's best-known TV events.

"Bob Ross was the driving force that gave MDA its energy and its tremendous level of quality. Those of us who knew him well realize that it was his vision that shaped MDA into the powerful force it has become," Lewis said in a news release.

Ross also directed MDA's move from New York to Tucson in 1990, which saved the organization millions in operating costs, Mackle said.

Tucson attorney Benjamin Bauer is serving a second one-year term as a national MDA vice president. He first met Ross when the MDA chief was looking to relocate in Tucson.

"Bob was a visionary leader" who led MDA on a constant upward path to become a national institution, Bauer said. "He was the kindest, most thoughtful person you could ever come across." he said.

"What a loss," said Ray Depa, former general manager of KGUN Channel 9, which broadcasts the MDA telethon. "He was a beautiful man who dedicated his life to eradicating muscular dystrophy."

Depa said he would urge Ross to take some time for himself and have some fun, but "he knew no other life."

MDA has 165 employees at its East Sunrise Drive headquarters, Mackle said, and supports programs dealing with more than 40 neuromuscular diseases with an annual budget of $190 million, all raised privately.

Pima County provided nearly $1.5 million in 1990 to purchase the prime Foothills lot that houses MDA headquarters. The state gave the MDA $1 million to subsidize moving and construction costs, and local businesses donated another $1 million in services, Mackle said.

Ross earned a degree from New York University in English literature. He enjoyed reading and classical music outside of work.

Ross, who never married, is survived by a sister, Charlotte Zand of Great Neck, N.Y., and five nieces and nephews.

The MDA Robert Ross Memorial Fund has been established to receive contributions in his memory. They can be sent to 3300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.