Evelyn Grace Weesjes

She was a beloved plantswoman, selfless and generous who was always glad to share her vast knowledge of plants. She received her horticultural degree at UBC in 1954 and not long afterward worked for 28 years in the UBC Botanical Gardens. While there, Evelyn was instrumental in the propagation and growing on of the original stock material that formed the basis for the Rhododendron Species Foundation in Federal Way Washington. In 1970 Evelyn received the American Rhododendron Society's Gold Medal Award for her contributions to the genus rhododendron. She worked alongside Nick at UBC for 28 years and upon retirement in 1981, they moved to an uncultivated acreage in North Saanich. It is there that she and Nick created a showpiece garden called Towner Crest. It has always been open to everyone to stroll through and enjoy. For many years, she also helped enormously to make the annual UVic Finnerty Gardens sale a success. Also, her sales at Towner Crest were well attended; there was always an excellent selection of shrubs, perennials, trees and vines all beautifully grown. It is due to Evelyn's dedication and expertise there are now many plants in gardens throughout Victoria and North Saanich. Fiercely independent and self reliant she continued to maintain the garden after Nick passed in 2011. During this time Evelyn also became an expert grower and propagator of many species of ferns. She was predeceased by brothers, Dave, Doug and Ernest and is survived by niece Lindsay and family and sister-in-law Flo of Saltspring Island. Evelyn is very thankful for all her care from Dr. Lewis, Bayshore Home Care, close friends and neighbours. Evelyn's legacy is that Towner Crest will continue under new ownership.