Tweetcap: Honoring Bernard Tyson and his legacy in health care, civil rights, and community health

On Sunday, November 10, a visionary leader in health care was lost when Bernard Tyson unexpectedly passed away in his sleep at the age of 60. For more than 30 years, Tyson tirelessly advocated for Kaiser Permanente and championed high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. He leaves behind a legacy that includes Kaiser Permanente growing from 9.1 million members and 174,000 employees to 12.2 million members and 218,000 employees during his tenure. He was also a devoted husband, father, and friend.

It is with profound sadness that we announce that @BernardJTyson, Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, unexpectedly passed away early Sunday in his sleep. https://t.co/DK2yeWasbx

— Kaiser Permanente (@aboutKP) November 10, 2019

Permanente physicians shared their thoughts and sympathies on the passing of a great health care leader and outstanding human being.

@BernardJTyson made certain the voice of @aboutKP was heard during the most important conversations about #healthequity, #inclusion, & #diversity. We’re dedicated to carrying on his legacy to building a healthier future for all people. He will be missed. @PermanenteDocs pic.twitter.com/ZNA04l2NNT

— Ed Ellison, MD (@EdEllisonMD) November 12, 2019

Kaiser Permanente mourns the loss of Bernard Tyson, who was a friend to so many of us, and filled with so much talent, compassion and life, and far too young to die. My prayers go out to his family and all of his friends.

In deepest sympathy,

Rich Isaacs https://t.co/EcQheU43Ez

— Richard Isaacs, MD (@DrRichardIsaacs) November 11, 2019

A profound loss for @kpthrive @KPSanBernardino and health care in this nation. We honor the positive legacy Bernard Tyson leaves for today and future generations. With Mr. Tyson on his recent visit to @KPSanBernardino. @PermanenteDocs pic.twitter.com/CGCwg0waO5

— Timothy Daniel Jenkins (@TimothyDanielJ2) November 11, 2019

Prominent politicians acknowledged Tyson’s influence as a health care leader, including U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.

So sad to hear about the passing of Kaiser Permanente CEO Bernard Tyson. In addition to his progressive work in health care for 30+ years, he was a champion for diversity in the workplace and racial justice. He will be missed.

— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) November 11, 2019

Jen and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and healthcare pioneer, Bernard Tyson. https://t.co/ovK6JOZQK7

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) November 10, 2019

Business and entertainment icons including Marc Benioff, Jeff Weiner, Magic Johnson, and Andrew Sorkin also offered their condolences while reflecting on Tyson’s far-reaching impact.

A light unto this world has gone out. Bernard Tyson our loving friend & board member has passed away. He always did so much for others & the world. One of the world’s greatest CEOs. I will always remember him with L❤️VE in my heart. My prayers are with his family for peace. pic.twitter.com/zSBwNNsQ9s

— Marc Benioff (@Benioff) November 10, 2019

I’m devastated to hear about the passing of my good friend and Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard Tyson. One of the only African-American CEO’s of a major company, Bernard played an important role in our community. pic.twitter.com/WaF85E3cbD

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 10, 2019

He will be remembered as a champion for equity, inclusion, and diversity — both personally and professionally — having served more than 20 years on the Executive Leadership Council.

Bernard was so much more than a renowned CEO. He was a mentor and a friend who always answered The ELC call. To us, The ELC Family, he was our guiding light, our supporter and our champion. pic.twitter.com/xFlmRwCBCJ

— The ELC (@elcinfo) November 10, 2019

Remembering #BernardTyson. Kaiser Permanente was among our 2015 Salute To Greatness Honorees. Mr. Tyson, a brilliant champion for affordable health care & workplace diversity, accepted the award.

‘It’s Time to Revolutionize Race Relations,’ by Mr. Tyson: https://t.co/SdLDOXjD9e

— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) November 11, 2019

The healthcare industry has lost a giant in civil rights in corporate places.We have lost a devoted advocate for justice&inclusion. Though in shock,we will never let the spirit of #BernardTyson die.He meant so much to our past&means so much to our future. Rest in heavenly peace. pic.twitter.com/EpmNzCa0ah

— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) November 11, 2019

His accomplishments in health care, which included being named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the world, were highlighted by health care leaders and major publications across the country.

What a dreadful loss American health care has suffered with the passing of Bernard Tyson. We had no leader more committed, courageous, and long-sighted. I will deeply miss his example and his friendship.

— Don Berwick (@donberwick) November 10, 2019

One of America’s most influential and transformative health care CEOs passed away Sunday. His impact will no doubt last for years. https://t.co/0898mECSeW

— FORTUNE (@FortuneMagazine) November 11, 2019

An official statement on Bernard Tyson’s passing can be found here.