Dr. John A. Wott, Eastern Region
We are saddened to share the news that Dr. John Wott, a life-time member, volunteer, and former staff member of the IPPS, passed away on August 28, 2021, at the age of 82.
Dr. Wott was the Eastern Region Secretary-Treasurer from 1971-77. In 1986 he began a 20-year tenure as International Secretary-Treasurer.
He was a member of both Eastern Region and Western Region through the years. As a volunteer, John served as International President in 1984. He was President of the IPPS Eastern Region in 1980-81.
Dr. Wott was a retired Professor Emeritus, Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington and former Washington Park Arboretum Director.
Dr. Kenneth Reisch, Eastern Region
Dr. Kenneth W. Reisch, "Ken", age 91, of Lewis Center, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2021. Ken was the Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the IPPS Eastern Region from 1957-59.
Ken taught between 1952-1972 in the Horticultural & Agricultural Research Departments and served as Associate Dean for the College of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Home Economics at The Ohio State University for 15 years until he retired 1989. He was instrumental in steering the Chadwick Arboretum.
Ken's wife Janice passed away on May 30, 2021. We are grateful for the leadership the Reisch family provided to the IPPS Eastern Region and express our condolences the Reisch family.
Clive Mullet, Southern Africa Region
It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear IPPS friend and board member, Clive Mullet, on Tuesday afternoon, 30 March 2021, after a short battle with cancer.
Clive was a dedicated plant propagator and production manager for Nonke Plants, then Weltevrede Nursery. He was a board member for IPPS since 2005 and was passionately and enthusiastically dedicated to furthering IPPS. He served on the International Board for several years. Clive was instrumental in recent regional programs and will be greatly missed.
Joerg Leiss, Eastern Region of North America
Nurseryman, Brother, Husband and Father, Joerg Leiss passed away on November 12, 2021 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. Although the disease robbed him of his quick wit, he remained charming and loving to the end. Joerg was a recipient of the IPPS ER Award of Merit and a fellow.
Joerg was an avid horticulturist and worked in the horticulture industry until his late 80s. He was hired by Sheridan Nurseries, where he worked until his retirement as a manager and chief propagator. We are grateful for Joerg's contributions to IPPS and the horticulture industry.