As we bid farewell to 2015, I can think of
so many things for which to be thankful, and
with each passing year, I realize how fleeting and
precious our time here on earth is. A shocking reminder this year was the passing of
Wayne Sawyer, CEO of Bennett's Creek Nursery in Suffolk, VA., who passed away unexpectedly on May 30, 2015 at the age of 59.
We were not close friends but we had mutual friends and knew each other from the many
years of exhibiting at the MANTS Show in Baltimore. Wayne was a constant there, greeting
all with a sincere smile and handshake and
an offer to help in any way he could in the
moving in and out process. After 30 years of my tradition of beginning the New Year in Baltimore, I can honestly say that it will not be the same without Wayne next week.
Wayne was one of those people who was so genuinely good , that you just felt better being around him. I will not forget him and will always remember him as the perfect Virginia gentleman and the ambassador for the Green Industry that we should all attempt to emulate. The thoughts expressed in this newsletter about making the most of the time we are allotted on this planet are inspired by Wayne's legacy of Christian kindness, sincerity, and graciousness, and the impact that these simple graces can have
on the lives of those around us.
Rest well my friend, you have run the good race...
