Volunteer Appreciation and In Memoriam

April 20, 2021

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April 18 - 24 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we would like to acknowledge the many devoted volunteers who have been a part of Arboretum's success. Our volunteers help in nearly every aspect of our operations, including propagation, planting, weeding, clearing pathways, working in our store, creating succulent dish gardens and wreaths, assisting with our plant database, seed banking, leading our California Naturalist course, being board members, and more! Thank you to each and every one of you, we simply would not thrive without you!

We would like to celebrate the lives and contributions made by longtime volunteers who are no longer with us. These great men and women have made a lasting impact for our Arboretum community. We miss each of them dearly and we thank them for all they have done here.

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Richard (Dick) Dumller

1936-2020

Obituary

Dick (along with his wife Sue) was an Aussie Weeder for 10 years and a Friday Sweeper for 1 year. Dick was a deeply kind person, generous, thoughtful and caring. We miss him very much!

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Bill Grant

1925-2020

Obituary

Bill was a longtime volunteer, docent extraordinaire, and former Friends’ Board member. His huge personality lit up the gardens, and any room he entered. He was also a rose fancier with a large collection of shrubs and ramblers.

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Hal Hyde

1923-2020

Obituary

Hal was a larger-than-life influencer in Santa Cruz County, involved in the founding of Cabrillo Community College, and among the organizers who selected the site for UC Santa Cruz. He was a Vice Chancellor during the early years, and later a Trustee. He was a supporter of the Arboretum for more than 50 years.

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Jean Langenheim

1925-2021

Obituary

In support of the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, Jean endowed a program to foster and strengthen ties between the Arboretum and plant science faculty and students for research and teaching.

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Shirley Meneice

1923-2020

Obituary

Shirley was a driving force in horticulture and conservation, particularly in Monterey County.  She received national recognition for her work, and was an avid golfer as well.

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Peggy Williams

Remembrance

Peggy was a huge supporter of the Arboretum, serving on the Friends’ Board, and staffing at Norries for many years. She was a friend of the Arts, and a fabulous quilter,  in addition to having a successful local Law practice.