JARS v43n3 - In Memoriam: Arthur Whitehair

In Memoriam: Arthur Whitehair
Theo Smid
Hayward, California

Arthur Whitehair of California Chapter died in Alameda April 30, 1989. Born on a farm in Alberta, he earned a B.S. in agriculture from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, after which he designed facilities for the park of Wascana Center in Regina, Saskatchewan. He came to California in 1966, earned a Master's in Landscape Architecture at U.C. Berkeley, and received his state license. For several years he also owned a florist shop in Berkeley. Growing Vireyas was his specialty.

For his extensive contributions to the Chapter, including serving as President in 1981 and 1982,Whitehair was awarded the Bronze Medal in 1988. He shepherded through the bureaucracy of the City of Oakland plans for a new rhododendron garden in Lakeside Park, near downtown. Unfortunately, he did not live quite long enough to see it brought to fruition. However, Parker Smith, executor of his estate, has announced a bequest "for the enhancement of the rhododendron garden."

Whitehair's last request was that a "celebration of life" be held in his memory. On May 21 seventy people gathered to hear speakers extol his energy, warm personality and generous nature and to enjoy refreshments. Present were his mother, Julie, his brother, Wayne, the latter's wife, Marjorie, and two of their four daughters, who had come from Alberta.