[DCAD] Gerry Ellis Passes Away

[Gunela Astbrink]

This is very sad news indeed!

Gerry was a pleasure to work with whether online or in person. He had 
the rare qualities of combining eloquence, strong technical ability, 
strategic skills with a lot of hard work.

Gerry served DCAD very well including leading the activities in 2018. 
Over the years, we worked together on updating the DCAD Accessibility 
Guidelines and on the DCAD sub-committee for selection of successful 
applicants for IGF participation grants.

I recall the IGF in Mexico in 2016 when we could meet in person to 
discuss and share ideas on many accessibility issues. He took leave from 
his full-time job to attend so that he could advocate strongly at 
various IGF sessions. He didn't miss an opportunity to speak up about 
accessibility and did so effortlessly and with good humour. He always 
stood firm on his principles.

The disability community has lost a true champion!

Regards,
Gunela

Muhammad Shabbir Awan wrote on 15/3/2023 02:00 :
> Dear DCAD Community,
> 
> I am sorry to inform you that Gerry Ellis, a strong advocate and member 
> of our community, has passed away. Gerry was indeed a dedicated member 
> of our community, and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him.
> 
> Having met him person a couple times and being in contact with him in 
> virtual world since my first IGF in 2017, I can say that Gerry touched 
> everyone with his wit and kindness, and he always went out of his way to 
> help others.
> 
> Gerry was a champion of accessibility in all areas of life, including 
> the online world. He was a vocal advocate for accessibility in the IGF , 
> where he worked tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities, 
> including those with blindness, had equal access to the internet and all 
> its benefits.
> 
> Gerry's contributions to the DCAD and IGF were invaluable. He brought a 
> wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and he was always 
> willing to share his expertise with others. He was a tireless advocate 
> for accessibility and inclusion, and he worked to ensure that people 
> with disabilities had a voice in the development of online technologies 
> and policies.
> 
> Gerry's passion and dedication will be deeply missed in the world of 
> internet governance and accessibility. His legacy will live on through 
> the countless lives he touched and the positive impact he had on the world.
> 
> The funeral and other details can be found at this link: 
> https://rip.ie/death-notice/gerard-gerry-ellis-ballybrack-dublin/529075 
> <https://rip.ie/death-notice/gerard-gerry-ellis-ballybrack-dublin/529075>
> 
> I personally, and on behalf of DCAD extend deepest condolences to 
> Gerry's family and friends during this difficult time.
> 
> Rest in peace, Gerry!
> 
> Dr Muhammad Shabbir,
> 
> Coordinator,
> 
> Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD),
> 
> Email: MShabbirAwan at gmail.com <mailto:MShabbirAwan at gmail.com>
> 
> Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mshabirawan/ 
> <https://www.twitter.com/mshabirawan/>
> 
> 
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