MEMORIALS
Thoughts and memories of fellow members
125 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 286 replies
- 60.1k views
It is with the greatest sadness in my heart to have to tell you all that Bob Riffle passed away suddenly last evening. His being missed by us all is a vast understatement. Paul
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-Bobby, my friend, my brother
by Lindagay- 5 replies
- 5.4k views
I got the call on Friday evening at 10:30 that Bob had passed. I was shocked and speechless as I had just spoken to him 2 weeks prior. Bobby and I had many evening discussions on the phone about plant meetings, palms and the proper pronunciation of the latin genera, that I constantly slaughtered. The first time I met Bob was when he came to Mercer Arboretum around 1998. He had been to the garden before, but visited with our botanist at that time and she was not too much into palms or tropicals. I did not know he had come to the garden then. When Ms. Em (later referred as Ms. Neiman Marcus because she was so much maintenance!) brought him to the garden, we did …
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-Palm photos for Bob Riffle
by bgl- 16 replies
- 7.7k views
Queman58/Bret's posting of a Beccariophoenix photo made me think of many of the comments RLR made, on the Forum, and presumably in private conversations as well, about palms that he really liked. I don't think it's appropriate to begin adding photos to the other thread in this section, which is why I'm starting a new thread. How about photos of all the palms that Bob, at some point in time, told us that he liked? This could become a photo gallery in his memory with all his favorite palms, and maybe a few others as well! I also plan on planting a palm in his memory, and I know many others who intend to do the same thing. Personally, I think it would be nice if we start a…
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-Palms for RLR
by tikitiki- 18 replies
- 8.7k views
My wife said when she realized my fascination with palms that I could plant anything except one with spines. So here is my Aiphnes Minima it will stand out among the rest as being different the only one of its kind. Planted 8/15/06. Winderemere,FL.
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-Remember RLR Today
by PALM MOD- 1 follower
- 34 replies
- 10.9k views
It wouldn't hurt to take a moment and have a pleasant thought or two about the man and his accomplishments on his birthday. I for one have a much greater appreciation for what Bob put together here.
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-RLR's "Favorite Palm"
by Diane Kirkland- 30 replies
- 13k views
One of the funniest things about Bob Riffle was his inability to settle on a favorite palm -- I always said it was the one in front of him at the moment. He'd call me on his cell phone huffing around Montgomery or Fairchild or The Kampong and describe what he was seeing ... many favorites! I'm writing an article about RLR for the IPS Palms publication and would like to include the list of his "favorite palm" as told to you all. Trust me, I know there is more than one. I realize these have been mentioned in other threads, but it would be easier to have them all in one place. Thanks so much. D.
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-Robert Lee Riffle - His Gardens 1 2
by IPSPTAdmin- 44 replies
- 17.6k views
Robert's neighbor Jean Smith sends us these photos of Robert's garden the way he left it. If you had the good fortune of a personal tour of Roberts garden you might offer some identification for the palms and other tropicals he was planting. Thanks for sending the pictures Jean!
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http://silverhillseeds.co.za/Newsletter.asp The information in this current newsletter from Silverhill Seeds was discussed at last year's NorCal Palm Society meeting in Berkeley. It's a very tragic event that adds to previous posts by Palmtalk folks regarding the many challenges of collecting seeds "in the wild" in some locations. I thought it was something to share with a wider audience in this forum.
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A Tribute to Paul Drummond
by TikiRick- 7 replies
- 6.4k views
Paul Andrew Drummond (April 15, 1924 – September 15, 2007) Born to a physician father and a loving, stay at home mother, Paul was raised in New York City during an age of the city’s “reinvention” from crime, poverty, and the desperation of crowded immigrants to the welcoming diversity of people, religion, cultures, and the arts. As a youngster, adventuresome Paul thrived on the continual thrill the big city atmosphere offered including riding the subways and exploring Central Park….all alone and by eight years of age. After his physician father met a premature accidental death, his independent mother was determined to afford the lifestyle Paul and his brother was…
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Alaric Prince
by palmazon- 5 replies
- 5.8k views
Last Saturday, I was both surprised and saddened to hear Al Prince passed on. For those who don't know, he donated his time as Back Issues chairman for the Southern California Palm Society - he was the white guy with dreadlocks attending most meetings; he also shared a booth at the Fullerton Arboretum Show & Sale. He ran a nursery called Suburban Paradise - the impression he gave me was a modest hobbyist operation in Anaheim. Through an associate, I learned he was growing some unusual palms - Irving Cantor's Chamaedorea hybrid, Trachycarpus takil, and some germination attempts with 'mule' Butiagrus seed. We only became acquainted when I contacted him regarding a form…
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Another Sad Passing
by Moose- 1 follower
- 18 replies
- 9.3k views
Dr. Bartley Frank Brown Obituary Guest Book Be the first to share your memories or express your condolences in the Guest Book for Dr. Bartley Frank Brown. View Sign Bartley Frank Brown Melbourne, FL Dr. B. Frank Brown died at home following a brief illness on Saturday, November 1, 2014. He was born in Dublin, GA and until his death at 97, remained active and deeply involved with his family and his many friends. After service in the Navy in WWII, Dr. Brown moved with his family to Florida to complete his advanced degrees. He became principal of Melbourne High School in 1953 and then served as Superintendent of Brevard County Schools and an educational consultant…
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Black Olive Nursery
by Jeff Searle- 6 replies
- 5.6k views
Mark was found yesterday in his home with no heartbeat. Unfortunately, Mark just could not fight off his need for painkillers and drugs. Very sad. Mark had one of the nicest retail and wholesale nurseries in all of south Florida. He was known to many and will be missed.
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Bob Hastings
by MattyB- 4 replies
- 2k views
My neighbor, and good friend, Bob Hastings has passed away today from old age. He will be missed. Here's a thread I did from when I first met Bob and toured his garden, before I even knew that someday I'd be living right next door. Rest in peace Bob. I hope all your cosmic ponderings have now been answered. http://www.palmtalk.org/forum/index.php?/topic/2131-i-found-my-thrill/#comment-35170
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Carol Hooper
by DoomsDave- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 3.8k views
Everyone: I was advised yesterday by Don Hodel that Carol Hooper, formerly of La Habra, passed away yesterday at about 11 a.m. in a hospice. She was there for an inoperable brain tumor. Will advise as to times, places, etc. of memorial services, if any. Until very recently, Carol and her husband Louis lived "down the hill" from me in La Habra, and I had occasion to spend many a happy afternoon with them. Occasionally, I had taken pictures and posted them on Palm Talk. RIP Carol, miss you.
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- 1 follower
- 4 replies
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Tragic news. Just found out that Charlie Maas (CharlieM here on PalmTalk) died Thursday March 26th. Charlie was a past Vice President of Hawaii Island Palm Society, a good friend, and an enthusiastic palm grower with a beautiful garden on Alapai Street, one street away from where I live. My thoughts go out to his wife J. and family. Charlie will definitely be missed. Bo-Göran
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Colin Campbell has passed away
by Tropicgardener- 4 replies
- 2.1k views
Prominent Queensland horticulturist Colin Campbell has passed away quite suddenly after a short illness. Colin is well known for his articles in magazines and newspapers and for being the Queensland representitive on the ABC 'Gardening Australia' television programme.........He was an advocate for the tropical/subtropical gardening and also has had a number of plant cultivars named after him. He will be sadly missed from the Queensland and Australian horticulture scene.
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Dave Lewis 1966-2009
by JD in the OC- 5 replies
- 4.2k views
One of our good friends Dave Lewis died today. He was electrocuted when a Ficus limb he was cutting fell on a power wire on Sanibel Island. He took pride in his "Lewis Cut", a method he used to trim coconuts, queens, and cabbage palms. He truly enjoyed working with and learning about palms. Dave always put his friends above himself. We will miss you Dave. God bless!
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David McLean Passes
by palmislandRandy- 5 replies
- 2.3k views
I just learned David McLean, A larger-tha-life figure in South Florida horticulturalist passed away on June, 4, 2014. I had the good fortune to meet up with David on many occasions & he was quite a character. He was a teacher, friend & all around self confessed plant nut. He will certainly be missed by those who had the opportunity to know him. Randy
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David Romney...Coconut Authority
by Jeff Searle- 1 follower
- 11 replies
- 5.3k views
It is with a very sad heart that I pass the news along that Mr. David Romney has passed away a couple of days ago here in south Florida. I believe he was born in Jamaica where he lived many years and worked with the government in the study of coconuts, lethal yellowing and all the developments of newer varieties over the years. He , his wife Shirley and daughter Carol lived in the Homestead area for at least the last 30-40 years or so. The Romney's were always a big vendor at the Fairchild Botanical Gardens palm sales each and every year where many varieties of coconuts could be found. David was a true legend. Over the years, he wrote numerous papers, journals and books. …
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DeArmand Hull
by Jeff Searle- 1 follower
- 7 replies
- 3.7k views
I just found out today that De Hull passed away either earlier today or maybe yesterday. Just not too sure. De was legendary back in the 70's through the early 2000's here in south Florida as a collector of palms and palm vendor for over 25 years at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami. Just a few years back he had moved out to Hawaii, on the big island. RIP. Jeff
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Dial Dunkin
by ASHCVS- 0 replies
- 445 views
Dial Dunkin was a titan of palm horticulture in South Texas. In fact we will be visiting his private garden during the upcoming “Weekend Biennial” RGV this December. Thank you to @Chuck M PSST for sharing the link
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Dick Endt
by richnorm- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 2k views
Sad to report the passing of Dick Endt who did so much for our palm community here in NZ and beyond. A kind and generous man, he will be missed.
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Dick Johnson has passed
by JEFF from Trabuco Canyon CA- 2 replies
- 5.5k views
I only meet him a couple of times and enjoyed talking cycads with him. He had a wealth of knowledge of plants. He had a great collection of plants and I believe he had a plant named after him. He will be missed in the plant community. I hope some people from the board can add some thinks about him.
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Director Jim Cain
by realarch- 2 followers
- 18 replies
- 3.7k views
Just received this stunning email from Director Horace Hobbs. A sad day indeed. Tim "Our esteemed Director, Past President, and Palms Supplement Editor Jim Cain passed away unexpectedly today of heart failure. Liz is surrounded by family and was at least comfortable enough to call me with the news. I will pass on additional information when it becomes available." Horace
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Don Kurth
by ASHCVS- 2 replies
- 985 views
Dr. Kurth was a very kind man. He will surely be missed. This is the obituary: Donald James Kurth Jr. APRIL 26, 1949 – OCTOBER 4, 2023 IN THE CARE OF Stone Funeral Home Donald James Kurth Jr. April 26, 1949 – October 4, 2023 Donald James Kurth, Jr. was born on April 26, 1949 to Donald J Kurth Sr. and Isabelle Statchen in Newport, Rhode Island. Don grew up in Westwood New Jersey and graduated from Westwood High School in 1967. He later completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University (BA) graduating cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1975 before attending me…
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