In Memoriam: Frederick R. Waller

Frederick R. Waller, a Life Member of the ARS and a member of the Pilchuck Chapter and past member of the Komo Kulshan Chapter, died Nov. 9, 1998, at the age of 69 years.

At the family farm in Sultan, Wash., he started growing his first rhododendrons, but for many years in the spring he left the farm to work at the fish canneries in Alaska. Fishing was in his blood, his friends said. Hunting was also a favorite pastime, and he loved to go to gun shows with his friends.

When he stayed long enough at home, Fred had acres of beautiful flowered grounds to roam. Trees and flowers brought out his creativity and he toiled over them for hours, nurturing them for years. He eventually started his own nursery. He also spent much time and energy as a volunteer at Meerkerk Gardens on Whidbey Island.