In Memoriam: Howard Austen Short
Bob George
Issaquah, WA
Howard Austen Short, born March 28, 1899, passed away on June 4, 2000, after living to the grand old age of 101 years. Howard had been a member of the ARS for fifty-one years, starting with the Seattle Rhododendron Society in 1949, and active in a number of chapters during his lifetime. The most recent participation was in the Cascade Chapter, joining as a charter member during its founding in 1993. Howard had been a honored member and served as a judge for our annual flower show. He was honored by the chapter as our "1997 Man of the Year."
Howard, along with his wife Connie, owned and operated the Sunrise Rhododendron Gardens Nursery on Bainbridge Island for twenty-five years. He was a member of the Kitsap Chapter, then named North Kitsap, which he and friends started in 1963. He served twice as chapter president and was awarded the Bronze Medal for his service to the chapter.
Six of Howard's hybrids have been registered: 'Hatton', 'Black Princess Ruby', 'Sundari', 'Island Gem', 'Quasar' and 'Howard Short'. Howard's main interest, however, was in species. He also grew from seed supplied by the ARS Seed Exchange as well as from friends in England. He never turned down an opportunity to help or advise others on questions on rhododendron culture or general rhododendron problems. In fact, Howard had often traveled abroad to give programs as well as exchanging plant material with rhododendron organizations in Japan and Europe.
We will all miss Howard Short and will remember his winning ways.