QBARS - v27n4 Herbert G. Ihrig 1884-1973

Herbert G. Ihrig 1884 - 1973
Howard Short, Bainbridge Island, Washington

Mr. Herbert G. Ihrig died at the age of 88 on May 31st, 1973. A Seattle entrepreneur and clothing merchant, he was born August 5, 1884, in Dayton, Columbia County, Washington. He was a fancier and grower of rhododendrons since the early 20's at his home on Ferncliff Drive, Bainbridge Island and was founder and first editor of the University of Washington Arboretum Bulletin. He was one of the founders of the Washington Arboretum, raising considerable funds for its establishment and gathering and supplying plants, notably the collection of Rhododendron Loderi's.  Mr. Ihrig was an honorary life member of the Arboretum Foundation and was awarded the Gold Medal of the American Rhododendron Society in 1964. President Edward B. Dunn, presenting the Medal and reading the Citation, concluded with, "To Herbert Ihrig, a pioneer in the Northwest in the study and culture of the Genus Rhododendron , for his many years of contributions to Rhododendron Gardens in the Seattle area, and in recognition of untiring efforts to increase the growing of finer forms, the American Rhododendron Society presents its Gold Medal". He was also an honorary life member of the North Kitsap Chapter A.R.S.  Mr. Ihrig will long be remembered by his fellow gardeners for his generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience by all who sought his counsel.  He is survived by one son, Herbert Ihrig Jr., who is with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and three grandchildren.