DERBY Homes has paid tribute to its chairman, who has died suddenly at the age of 65.
Bob Osler joined the board of the organisation – which manages homes on behalf of Derby City Council – in 2002 as an independent member and became chairman in 2009.
He died suddenly following a suspected heart attack while out cycling on Sunday.
His death comes almost two years after Phil Davies, chief executive of Derby Homes, died following a cancer diagnosis the month before.
Leading the tributes was Maria Murphy, director of Derby Homes, who said: "Bob was more than a figurehead for Derby Homes – he was an inspiring person who engaged with tenants and employees and genuinely wanted to understand their issues.
"Bob will be missed by us all but his vision and passion for improving the lives of people in this city will not be lost."
Before joining Derby Homes, Mr Osler worked for firm Marks and Spencer and Coats Viyella, before starting his own international management consultancy and textile procurement businesses.
Mrs Murphy said, when Mr Osler became Derby Homes chairman, he said: "It's an exciting time for social housing and I'm very passionate about Derby Homes.
"I'm keen we continue to do as much as we can to improve the lives of our tenants and their families – not just in the short term but over the next 10 or 20 years."
Mrs Murphy said: "That statement was typical of Bob and he remained committed to improving lives and providing opportunities. He championed the continuation of the family intervention project – to help some of the most chaotic families in the city.
"And, more recently, he provided the support and visionary leadership to enable us to set up the Derby Homes Apprenticeship Scheme which, by the end of this year, will be employing 40 young people."
Councillor Martin Rawson, deputy leader of the council, said: "It is with great regret I share the sad news of the passing of Bob and I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
"We were lucky enough to welcome Bob to the board in 2002, where he played an active role in helping them to grow and secure social housing in Derby.
"He cared greatly about providing affordable housing for tenants in need of social housing and made it his mission to ensure their needs were catered for.
"His passion for his work was an inspiration and he will be greatly missed by all who met him. I am sure his legacy will live on in the work of Derby Homes as they continue to secure the best future for their tenants." Did you know Mr Osler? Pay tribute to him in our comments box, below, or by e-mailing cvjones@derbytelegraph.co.uk. Alternatively, send us a message on Twitter (@DerbyTelegraph).
