[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
By Co-publisher Jillian Zynomirski
On December 23, 2020, former Press columnist Lester C. Fretz passed away in his 89th year. Lester, a member of the Dunnville Horticultural Society, wrote for The Press’ ‘Get Growing, tips from a local gardener’ column from 2017 to 2020. In October 2020, he passed the torch to new Get Growing columnists Brad and Susan Emery.
“I’m indebted to you folk at Haldimand Press for introducing me to the enjoyable opportunity of writing for you,” Lester wrote to us in October 2020. “I’m pleased to see the Emerys carry on with the column for which I give you the credit for creating.”
Lester inspired readers with his many gardening ideas and thoughtful tips.
Lester’s final column for The Press was on seeds and their sense of direction. We can’t help but think that Lester has planted many seeds in his lifetime, developing strong roots, which will live on in his memory.
Lester was so encouraging and never missed an opportunity to let us know what a great job we were doing at The Press. He was one of the most kind-hearted people, and we will never forget him.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
It’s my turn now to be planted
Put out to seed again
While the fruits of my earthly labours
Flourish in the sun and rain
It’s a wonderful day to be planted
In rich, deep loamy soil
A natural bed, for a tired gardener’s head
With green fingered hands of toil
Please plant a tree or bush for me
To celebrate a gardener’s life ways
I strove to enrich the world with beauty
Over many, many gardening days
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]