OT-CHAT: Another sad loss

Good morning, All,

I have sad news of another loss to the iris community.  Fred Stephenson 
passed away on Monday.  The obituary which I have copied to the end of 
this post makes only brief mention of his many contributions to the AIS 
organization and irisarians in general, which I know were substantial.  I 
corresponded with Fred briefly a year or two ago and kept all of our 
communications on a computer drive I can no longer access.  
Unfortunately, my memory is as poorly functioning as my computer drive, 
but here is what I *think* I remember of my conversations with Fred.  

Fred was asked to develop the AIS judge's training program and write the 
original JT manual back when the program was initiated.  As a result of 
his work on the program, he was awarded Judge Emeritus standing.  He also 
hybridized and introduced some irises in the 70's and 80's and owned and 
ran a commercial iris garden for some period of time.  Within the last 
couple of years, he donated a large number of iris-related print 
resources (old Bulletins, JT manuals, and other references) to the AIS 
and/or HIPS libraries.  Although I don't believe Fred participated in 
iris-talk, he did frequent GardenWeb's Iris Forum and provided much 
useful information to the people on the Forum over the years.

I'm afraid that's all I remember of our correspondences.  Perhaps those 
of you who knew Fred can help fill in the blanks regarding his 
involvement with AIS and dedication to irises throughout his lifetime.

I'm certain Fred's family's would be very appreciative of any cards and 
condolences. The address for His daugher and son-in-law is: 

FAMILY OF FRED STEPHENSON
5608 Merriman Road SW
Roanoke, VA  24018

Fred's obituary follows:

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STEPHENSON, Frederick G., 89, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, 
August 12, 2002, at his home. He was born November 5, 1912, to 
Nannie and Vonner Lee Stephenson. He was predeceased by an infant 
sister, Ruth Geraldine and two brothers, Garland of Washington, 
D.C., and Earl of Philadelphia. He is survived by his wife of 52 
years, Adelaide Deisher; a daughter, Janice and her husband, Stan 
King; a son, Bryan and his wife, Lynn; and six grandchildren, 
Aaron, Nathan, and Brandon King, and Samantha, Hannah, and 
Virginia Grace Stephenson, all of Roanoke. Also surviving is a 
brother, Elbert and his wife, Madine of Bedford; sister, Margaret 
Howard of Bristol, Tenn.; and sister-in-law, Beatrice Stephenson 
of Philadelphia, Pa. 

After graduating from high school, he accepted a job in 
Washington, D.C. with the C&P Telephone Company. After 14 years, 
the call of the mountains was too great and in 1946 he transferred 
to Roanoke where he continued to work until he took early 
retirement in 1975. He had a lifelong belief that every man had an 
obligation to provide a service for his fellow man. In pursuit of 
this obligation he worked with the Roanoke County Recreation 
Department and organized many national tours for senior citizens.

Prior to this he became interested in growing irises and became 
very knowledgeable to the extent that he conducted Iris Judging 
Schools for the American Iris Society in Atlanta, Dallas, 
Milwaukee, Albuquerque, as well as other cities. He was an AIS 
Judge Emeritus. 

Expanding his teaching, he taught hobby classes to Senior Citizens 
in Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Salem. His most popular 
classes were basket weaving and chair caning. Because of his 
experience finding help during the final days of his mother and 
wife's mother, he saw the need for Adult Care for those entrusted 
with the care of the elderly. After spending four years planning 
such a facility and fighting government red tape, the Adult Care 
Center of Roanoke became a reality on June 5, 1983, with the help 
of the League of Older Americans, the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, and 
The Salvation Army. He served as the director during its first 
year. During his lifetime he was very active in his church, having 
taught teens and preteens for a total of 27 years. Other 
activities included organizing and working with the Senior Adults 
as well as many other church activities. 

Another of his great loves was the Blue Ridge Parkway. He spent 
several years as a volunteer and supporter of its interests as a 
member of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Instead of flowers, 
donations should be made to the Adult Care Center of Roanoke, 1970 
Roanoke Blvd., VAMC 76-1, Salem, Va. 24153; Roanoke Friends of the 
Blue Ridge Parkway, P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, Va. 24018; or the 
Grandin Court Baptist Church Music Fund, 2260 Brambleton Avenue, 
Roanoke, Va. 24015. Memorial services will be held Thursday, 
August 15, 2002, at 7 p.m. at the Grandin Court Baptist Church 
with the Rev. Kevin Meadows, Rev. Cindy Meadows, and the Rev. 
Jerry Marsh officiating. Interment will be private. The family 
will receive friends after the service on Thursday at the church. 
Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Salem Chapel.




-----------------
laurief@paulbunyan.net
http://www.geocities.com/lfandjg/
zone 3b northern MN - clay soil


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