Saturday May 24, 2008

Dozens of locals and visitors gathered at the George Fraser Gardens to honour the memory and contributions of one of Ucluelet’s most dedicated rhododendron enthusiasts.

Just before noon outside Ucluelet secondary school, Wanda McAvoy, chair of the George Fraser Committee, unveiled an $800 granite plaque recognizing the late Bob Sinclair – a local contractor who owned the Misty Garden Nursery and passed away in 1995.

“He was just so generous,” said McAvoy, who first met Sinclair when she worked as a municipal gardener in the 1980s. “He had a passion for propagating rhododendrons and He would often give away more rhododendrons than he would sell.”

Column by Keven Drews, The Westcoaster, Ucluelet, BC