Dr. Harold B. Tukey, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Founding Director of the Center for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington and former Director of the Washington Park Arboretum passed away on 12/1/20. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Helen “Tish”, daughters Ruth Thurbon Tukey and Carol Schwartz (Tom), and son Harold Tukey III. He is also survived by a sister Ann Harrison, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, along with colleagues and students around the world who were inspired by his mentorship, leadership, and friendship.
Dr. Tukey was born in 1934 in Geneva, NY and moved to East Lansing, MI as a child. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD from Michigan State University studying horticulture. Dr. Tukey was on the faculty at Cornell University from 1959 to 1980 before he was recruited to create the world’s first Center for Urban Horticulture where he worked until his retirement.
Dr. Tukey was a world traveler, history buff, and lover of music. He served as President of the International Plant Propagators Society, The American Society for Horticultural Science, The International Society for Horticultural Science, and the Ithaca, NY Rotary Club.
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