In Memoriam: Willet Titus

Willet Titus, a long time friend of the ARS New York Chapter, passed away on Sept. 24, 2000, in his 94th year.

Willet started his long time horticultural career in the early 1930s as a plant propagator at the Hicks Nurseries of Westbury, New York, with the noted rhododendron propagator and grower Paul Vosberg. In 1963, he accepted a position as an estate superintendent at the Cattier Estate in Mill Neck, New York. He continued in this position for thirty-three years, until his retirement in 1996. Here, he used his broad horticultural knowledge in the management of this very picturesque estate. His love of rhododendrons was evident with the many plantings he was responsible for, and this interest brought him to the American Rhododendron Society, New York Chapter, as one of its early members.

Willet also belonged to the National Association of Gardeners and other horticultural societies. He judged truss shows in the mid 1960s and was well known for his frequent generous hosting of the New York Chapter garden tours. For this, we owe him and Mrs. Cattier a debt of gratitude. He was also generous with sharing cuttings.

Willet was a kind, gentle family man who was happiest in his garden and when talking about plants. Those of us who were fortunate to have known him are better for the experience. We offer his wife Wilna, his son William and family, and his brother Burt our sincere condolences.