The professional cleaning industry has lost one of its most a staunch defenders and long time leaders. L. Ross Beard, CEO and President of R.R. Street & Co. Inc. (Streets) passed away on the evening of April 20, 2016 after a sudden and difficult illness. Mr. Beard held a leadership role in Streets for the past 34 years and has the distinction of being one of Street’s longest-serving chief executives. Ross was 68 years of age and spent his last hours in the comfort of his own home surrounded by family.
Ross Beard’s contributions to the industry were many. Over the past thirty years he played a key role in the industry’s efforts to successfully communicate its positions and needs with legislators and regulators, including Vision 2000, FLARE, The Barton Bill and many others. He diligently fought to protect the industry against the encroachment of junk science into regulatory decision-making process. He encouraged and supported industry scholarships. But Mr. Beard, perhaps, will be best remembered for his staunch defense of Streets, drycleaners and the allied trades from the predation of revenue seeking trial-lawyers, who saw the industry as an easy target; his dedicated work ensured that this was not going to be the case.
Street’s statement on Mr. Beard’s passing further ads: “R.R. Street & Co. Inc. has been very fortunate, throughout its history, to have been lead by some exceptional individuals. L. Ross Beard exemplifies that quality. He shares in the long company legacy of excellence that started with Robert R. Street back in 1876. Streets would not be the successful company it is today without Ross’s innumerable contributions to all aspects of the business. Whether fighting off litigation and leading the company to precedent-setting victories before the Texas Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, or most recently, completing the acquisition of Street’s oldest competitor, Adco, Ross was a devoted and loyal company leader. Under Ross’s leadership Streets brought many new products and technologies to the market; he had both the vision and dedication required to take new ideas and concepts and guide them into reality. Ross’s tireless dedication to Streets, his leadership in the industry, his wisdom, humor and perseverance will be long remembered with gratitude. His final legacy is the vision he has given the company for the future. We will miss L. Ross Beard greatly as a professional and as a friend and offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family.”
L. Ross Beard is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to:
The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation
5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC1140
Chicago, IL 60637
Or online at: donatetocancer.uchicago.edu.
