In Memoriam: Robert (Bob) Dickhout
Peter Neubauer
Bob was born in March 1941, raised in Dunnville, Ontario, and graduated in entomology from the Ontario Agricultural College (now Guelph University) in 1963. He joined Agriculture Canada on graduation and served forty-two years in Victoria, British Columbia, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, retiring in 2005. He studied golden nematodes on Vancouver Island, preparing him for his role as a pre-shipment Canadian Agriculture inspector of bulbs in Holland over many years. He also managed many agricultural surveys in support of the large plant export business carried on by the Ontario agricultural industry.
Bob joined the Rhododendron Society of Canada (RSC) in 1977 when he returned from Victoria. Over the years he was a director, membership secretary and treasurer of the society. When the RSC became District 12 of the ARS, Bob was instrumental in ensuring its affairs were kept up to date. His was the name most people in the three district chapters associated with their annual membership renewals. Bob was an enthusiastic promoter of rhododendrons, speaking to horticultural societies throughout Southern Ontario. A friend of the late Al Smith, he was a contributor to various projects carried out at the Vineland Ontario Research Station. Whether organizing flower shows, plant sales or chapter meetings Bob was a selfless contributor to their success. In 2004 at the ARS Annual Convention in Pennsylvania, Bob was awarded the Society's Silver Medal as recognition of his support to the district. We are grateful that Bob lived one last spring to see his beloved rhododendrons in bloom. He died in May 2007.
To his wife, Karen, his children and grandchildren we extend our deepest sympathy.