The former chief of the North America business for adidas succumbed to cancer on Monday at his Portland home. John Ross McMullin was just 47 years young.

The former adidas America CEO has battled cancer for the last two years. He always put on the appearance of health and vitality to those around him and kept his fight a personal matter, working a full schedule while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

“He created a deep sense of loyalty among the employees by his natural ability and talent to make people better professionally and personally,” said Paul Ehrlich, adidas America general counsel, in an interview with The Oregonian.

McMullin, a Canadian national born in Toronto, took the top spot at adidas America in July 2000 after 20+ years in the packaged goods business. He resigned the post late last fall after a short leave of absence to focus on his battle.

In the end, McMullin made the decision to live out his remaining life with his family and friends rather than forgo continued chemo that did not appear to be working.
adidas employees were notified of his death on Tuesday by adidas-Salomon AG chief executive officer Herbert Hainer. Hainer made the announcement to the media and analysts this morning before reviewing the company’s fourth quarter and full year results. The participants observed a moment of silence.

McMullin is survived by his wife, Cheryl; daughters, Julia and Kristina; father, James Frederick of Toronto; brother, Frederick James of St. Catharine's, Ontario; sisters, Arlene Goncalves of Scarborough, Ontario, and Karen McMullin of Ajax, Ontario; and seven nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Clare Church, 8535 S.W. 19th Ave. in Portland. The family requests that contributions be sent to Cancer Care Resources at 439 N. Broadway, Portland, OR 97227.