Elizabeth Holden Rose, who died May 8 at age 104, made it her mission to establish the United Nations University in Japan, an accomplishment for which she earned one of Japan’s highest imperial awards.
Rose was a widow when, in 1963, she became interested in establishing an educational center associated with the United Nations.
She pursued this goal relentlessly, campaigning heads of state and then-U.N. Secretary-General U Thant, along with deep-pocketed philanthropists, even after UNU opened its doors in 1975. At its 25th anniversary, university leaders dedicated a conference hall to Rose, who attended the ceremonies.
The daughter of an Idaho state Supreme Court justice and a university-educated Bible scholar, she grew up in Idaho Falls. She attended the University of Denver for one year before she married Kenneth D. Rose, a seed-company owner whose patented dehydrated potatoes made him and his family wealthy.
The Roses represented Idaho Falls’ landed gentry, with an extensive housekeeping and stable staff. Elizabeth Rose became an accomplished horsewoman. She became involved in civic affairs, helping organize the local and state League of Women Voters.
When Kenneth Rose died in 1952, Elizabeth Rose became executrix of the estate. She decided to finish her college education.
She graduated in 1954 from the University of Denver, where she developed an undying interest in the United Nations and its affiliates, particularly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Rose represented UNESCO’s Colorado chapter at a 1958 ceremony in Paris, and later at conferences throughout the world.
In 1962, she took 15 Denver Boy Scouts to the Scouts’ first Asian Jamboree, which launched her interest in an international educational center for young people.
She pursued this with Japanese ambassadors, leaders and scholars, along with philanthropists, setting an example with her own substantial donations.
In 1969, Rose met with U Thant’s son in Thailand, and then with U Thant in New York. Shortly afterward, U Thant formally presented the United Nations University concept to the United Nations assembly.
“She was capable of subjugating herself, because she believed that men should lead,” said her daughter, Margaret Knowlton. “But she also believed women have their strengths.”
In 1977, the emperor of Japan awarded Rose the prestigious Kunsanto Hokansho, the Order of the Precious Crown, a decoration second only to the Order of the Chrysanthemum, given to royalty and heads of state.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ivy Chapel at Fairmount Cemetery.
Besides Knowlton, of Denver, survivors include sons Don Rose of Manassas, Va., and John David Rose of Asheville, N.C.; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Staff writer Claire Martin can be reached at 303-820-1477 or cmartin@denverpost.com.
