In Memoriam: William Tietjen
Bud Gehnrich
The New York Chapter and the American Rhododendron Society lost a long-time member and good friend with the death of William Tietjen on November 4, 2005, at age 87 years.
Bill was an engineer and held a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University. Upon graduation he obtained a job with the Sperry Gyroscope Corporation and came to Long Island with his wife, Ginny, living in Roslyn Heights for thirty years.
Bill joined the ARS and the NY Chapter in 1975 and quickly became a valued member of the chapter. He was president in 1978, served for two years and was awarded the Bronze Medal in 1981.
He soon became active in the organization of the ARS and served as president from 1985 to 1987. During this time, he also managed to run the ARS Seed Exchange for a period of ten years while the exchange grew from 1,000 lots to 1,500 lots.
Upon his retirement from work and his active presence in the ARS he and Ginny moved to Guilford, Connecticut, where he became active in the community. He planted and maintained a garden at the Guilford Library and served on the Board of the Library from 1982-1994, also serving as treasurer and vice-president. He was presented with a citation for his contribution to library development and services for his work. He also planted and maintained gardens at the Congregational Church and at the Guilford Trust.