Michael Barclay (a former subscriber)

For those who know him:

It is interesting that a couple of you inquired about Michael
Barclay to me just while I was finding out that he has had some
significant health problems this year.  In January, he took a
bad fall in his home and later had another, worse fall which
has left him paraplegic.  He is making some recovery, but it is
always hard to know how many gains might be possible.  I have
talked with him over the last week and while he is frustrated
over his situation and all of the various other complications
with his businesses (horticultural and opera), finances, and
other life challenges, he was very much himself.  I know a number
of you found him informative on this forum (albeit opinionated!)
and there were numerous off-line chats in which he was involved.
If anyone would like to send him a card (he'd love it, I'm sure!),
it would be best to send it to his home address (400 Yale Ave.,
Kensington, CA 94708).  His e-mail account is not currently working,
but might be back soon.  If anyone local would like to help out
(his garden likely needs tending, as does his nursery stock, etc.),
please let me know.  Michael has been a personality in Bay Area
for many years, whether everyone liked him or 'got along'.  He has
certainly been willing to give of his own time routinely to give
out the copious amounts of horticultural knowledge and experience
that are contained within his brain, earning him the title of
'Mr Wizard' among some local plant societies.  It is unfortunate
that such circumstances would befall anyone, least of all Michael.
He and I have been friendly for some time, even though he would
sometimes test my patience.  We seemed to form a relationship
where we could tell each other where to get off without really
being angry or hurt, still remaining civil.  He has been very
generous to me with his time, information, and plants over the
years, so I am happy to do what little I can to help ease his mind
during this difficult time.

Sean A. O'Hara                       sean.ohara@poboxes.com
h o r t u l u s   a p t u s          710 Jean Street
'a garden suited to its purpose'     Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
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