Anyone who has spent time in Mel's company knows what a gentleman and endlessly generous person he was. You weren't a stranger around Mel for long. I can easily say that Mel's interactions with me have greatly influenced my path among the roses. I am certain that my life and my work would not be what it is without his efforts and kindness, for which I will be eternally grateful.

As many others have said more eloquently than I possibly can, Mel was generous and caring and kind to everyone he befriended and his youthful enthusiasm and eagerness to share what he knew was contagious. I will always picture Mel in his red Miata, traveling up and down the West coast, the car loaded with potted roses and a cooler full of cuttings; a Johnny Appleseed of roses!