JARS v61n2 - In Memoriam: Ernest K. Egan

In Memoriam: Ernest K. Egan

Ernest Egan was born in 1912 and died in 2006.

Anyone who met Ernie Egan will remember this wonderful outgoing, modest man for his ever-encouraging advice on growing rhododendrons. One time he was asked what to do with a rhododendron that did not bloom. His answer has resonated in the Maine Chapter for years: "Dig it up, give it a shake, and place it in another planting hole." In this challenging environment it works.

Ernie was a member of the American Rhododendron Society for over 50 years, first in the Connecticut Chapter, then the Maine Chapter. His family owned the Hillcrest Gardens Nursery in Woodbridge, Conn. He and his brother took over the business and ran it until 1987 when he moved to Maine. There he continued to raise and sell rhododendrons at his Little River Nursery in East Boothbay. In 2001 Ernie decided to donate his extensive collection to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay, and over the next few years CMBG staff and volunteers accomplished the move "across town."

His friendly smile and generous nature will be missed. He leaves his wife, Lillian, two sons and their families, and one great grandchild. He was 94.