Tribute to John Strang who sadly passed away on 29th September 2016

On behalf of ICHCA International, the Board and Secretariat would like to offer their deepest condolences to the entire Strang family at this difficult time. John was a pioneer of ICHCA and his legacy will inspire us all to continue our efforts. We are honoured to have Sallie on the International Board and we look forward to learning from her and continuing the strong link between ICHCA and the Strang family.

 

Laurence Jones, John Strang and David Bendall

ICHCA Conference Adelaide – 29 October 2014

 

We are pleased to share some thoughts and memories from past and present Board members:

 

David Bendall, Former Chairman, ICHCA International, ICHCA Australia

“John and I have been friends for many years, with a mutual interest in international air and sea cargo, covering both policy and practical issues. A great entertainer, he was generous with his time and the resources of the Strang Group. We have enjoyed many ICHCA conferences around the world: Jerusalem 1996 where he rode an elephant; Sydney 1998 at the Opera House and Sydney Town Hall; Rotterdam 2000; Yokohama 2002 and the list goes on.

However, it was not all fun and games and I invited John to join ICHCA Australia’s board to help with a particular problem. He had been a quiet supporter and sponsor of ICHCA and regularly booked a table at our lunches, bringing along up to a dozen senior industry people each time.  When I asked for help, he responded immediately and we saw the benefit of it right away.

However, it was on the international stage that we benefitted most from his experience and commitment to ICHCA. It was evident to both of us some time ago that ICHCA International needed a thorough shake up, confirmed by his visit to our then headquarters in the UK. Although John was not able to implement our plan personally, he continued to support us through his role as International Ambassador. Our strategy is in effect and the result is the new business model and restructured international board we have today.

John was a great friend and will be sorely missed. He was a very real asset to ICHCA and we owe him our gratitude for his generous and active support. My condolences and best wishes go to Alison, Sallie, Andrew and Jamie and his extensive family whom I know loved him dearly.”

 

John Warda, Chairman, ICHCA Australia

“We are so sad to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts, as well as those from all of the ICHCA team are with the entire Strang family. John was a great man and tremendous ambassador for ICHCA in Australia and internationally. We share his loss with the family and trust that you will find strength at this difficult time.”

 

Hiroshi Ueda, Chairman, ICHCA Japan

“On behalf of ICHCA Japan, I express the condolence and deepest sympathy to the Strang family for John’ passing. John was special to us, ICHCA Japan members. He visited Japan once a year often in May, enjoyed his time with us and stayed at Fujiya Hotel at Hakone where his grandfather used to stay. Because of his special and kind considerations as the Chairman of ICHCA, ICHCA Japan could come into ICHCA activities smoothly and deepen good relationships with Board members, ISP members and ICHCA Australia, in particular. I, together with my friends, would like to make continued efforts for ICHCA activities appreciating for John’s great contribution to ICHCA organization.”

 

Laurence Jones, Deputy Chair ICHCA International, Director ICHCA Australia

“It was with great sadness that I heard of John’s passing. My condolences to the Strang family. You must be very proud of John and his numerous achievements. A true gentleman is the description bestowed on John by all who knew him…. and it was so true. During my involvement in ICHCA over the last 10 years John has been my mentor.  His support and dedication to ICHCA was inspired by his father’s involvement in the initial establishment of ICHCA in the 1950’s. It has been an honour to have worked with John Strang AO and I look forward to working with Sallie Strang and continuing the Strang legacy.”

 

Richard Brough, Technical Advisor, ICHCA International

“John was a great man, I only met him a few times but his warmth and sincerity shone out. He did a great deal for our industry and was a strong supporter of ICHCA and will be sorely missed by us all. It is so pleasing that we have, amongst a lifetime’s, the memories of the special day when he received his O.A. and thank goodness that was possible.”