Friendly...always a smile on his face...successful businessman...devoted to
family...enthusiastic...leadership...
gardener...confirmed 'rhodoholic'... these words offer a brief description of
Grant and the tragic loss sustained by his
family and friends when he died as the result of an accidental fall on July 7,
1995. Now, ten years later, there's a
fitting permanent memorial and token of our affection for him in the
Rhododendron Garden at Hendrick's Park
Grant, a native
Eugenean, graduated University High School in 1944 and then served in the Navy
on the
Battleship USS California. Upon return from the Navy he enrolled in the School
of Architecture at the University
of Oregon, completing four years toward the five year degree. But then his
father passed away, and he chose to join his
brother Donn at Chase Company, the business started by his father in 1921; no
doubt in part as a response to his deep
roots in the community. The company business was mechanical contracting, and
Grant's architectural skills served well
in designing and bidding jobs in the heating, ventilating and sheet metal
department.
Retirement in the 1080's provided time to
indulge gardening interests, and he joined the Eugene Chapter of the
American Rhododendron Society at the urging of good friend Leonard Frojen. The
seductive allure of rhododendrons
worked its magic, and soon new plants were finding their way to Grant's
garden in a weekly-sometimes daily-parade.
Even after the yard looked as though it could not hold another plant, he would
find room for the reoccurring
"just one more!". And it was then he created his own bit of heaven, spending
happy hours making winding paths,
tending the plants, and placing the latest new found beauties.
Grant also delighted in the company of fellow gardeners, enhancing his and
others' garden experiences
at chapter meetings and sessions of 'talking plants'. At the time of his death
he was Vice President
of the Eugene chapter and looking forward to this term as President. Almost
immediately, a spontaneous
movement arose among community and rhododendron friends for a lasting
memorial=most probably some sort
some sort of garden structure at Hendricks Park. The Eugene Chapter agreed to
act as stake holder
for the rapidly accumulating funds, which were a significant amount.
But there the matter languished as a reminder of that well known maxim--"the
devil is in the details".
Last year we launched a concerted effort to complete the long neglected project.
A visit to the 2004
Home Show at the County Fairgrounds found an artisan creating decorative garden
structures from
steel and stone; mediums having the strength and substance needed for a visible
and long lasting remembrance
in the public garden. A visit to the workshop of Jerry Carlin confirmed he could
build what at that point was
only a very general idea of the final product. After a number of meetings and
discussions with Jerry,
City staff and Grant's surviving wife Dottie, a final design and its place in
the garden was settled.
Now in place at a prominent
location at the head of the summit lawn across from the F.M. Wilkins Shelter
is an elegant and handsome curved steel bench with basalt enclosed legs. It
weighs nearly one thousand pounds,
the maximum capacity of the truck mounted crane lowering it into place on
concrete footings.
The simple elegance of the bench is aptly complimented by the lettering across
its front, which Dottie Chase
chose and had done in stainless steel, and which cites Grant's love of nature.
Special thanks are due several folks for their time, assistance and
cooperation in bringing the memorial
to this wonderful result. They include Dottie Chase, the craftsman, Jerry Carlin
of Jerry Carlin Construction
and Stone posts Company, and City staff members Ginny Alfriend and Robin
Hostick.
On a lovely Fall day, the bench was dedicated
at a ceremony attended by Grant's family and over one
hundred guests. It has since become familiar to other garden visitors,
and will surely be enjoyed as a
place for quiet contemplation for many years into the future.
.................................Gordon Wylie
May 1-2, 2004 spring show, at Oakway Mall
AWARDS & HONORS
HISTORY
The American Rhododendron Society was first formed in Portland, Oregon in 1945 and included among its organizers were Del and Ray James and other members of the Eugene Men’s Camellia and Rhododendron Society.
Eugene soon established its own chapter, making it one of the first chapters of the ARS. Chapter members have created a number of fine private collections in the area, one of which, that of the late Dr. Milton Walker, was to form the basis for the remarkable species collection presently maintained by the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden of Federal Way, Washington.
Our mild climate and adequate rainfall enable gardeners to grow many varieties of rhododendrons and related species that are difficult in other parts of the country.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
" Join the Eugene Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society"
If you’re already a member of the American Rhododendron Society, you know that information such as this and much more is available through our regular monthly chapter meetings, regional and international conferences, chapter newsletter, the informative quarterly Journal, ARS and, probably best of all, friends you make among fellow members. You’re welcome to attend our chapter meetings at no charge but for a better return, purchase a membership to enjoy the full spectrum of benefits. Annual dues are a modest $35 (individual) and $40 (family). A small investment indeed for a hobby that has brought endless and lifetime enjoyment to those who leave cares behind in the tranquility of their gardens of every size.
Eugene Chapter meetings are the second Thursday of October, November and January through March, are held at Campbell Senior Center, 155 High Street, Eugene, and begin with a hospitality hour at 7 p.m. Picnics are generally scheduled at member gardens in June and September, and December finds us enjoying a holiday potluck at the Campbell Center. April brings an early truss show, dinner, speaker and special plant auction and then we have a large public truss show at the Oakway Center the first weekend in May.