Hybridizer Thomas M. Brown (1910-1974)

Milton-Freewater, Oregon, USA

From The Bulletin of the American Iris Society No. 214(July 1974): Tom Brown passed away March 20, 1974. Tom was an active member of Region 13 for over twenty-five years. An enthusiastic gardener, he was a member of the British Iris Society and the Walla Walla Men's Garden Club. Tom and his wife, Opal, a senior AIS judge, founded Brown's Sunnyhill Gardens in 1953 and introduced many fine irises. Tom's best known introduction, BLUE MILLER, was awarded the Knowlton Medal in 1969. Tom was a discriminating irisarian and grower and spent much time working on iris ills and cures and on methods of growing better plants. Tom underwent open heart surgery in October of 1973 and was progressing well until his untimely death at the age of 63. His gruff appearance was offset by an overwhelming smile and interest in those who shared that common bond of gardening and irises. We join in sending our sympathy to Opal. Our lives are richer because of Tom Brown.

Registrations/introductions:

Border Bearded:  'Blue Miller',

Tall Bearded: 'Hawaiian Holiday', 'Tropic Pearl',

-- Main.RPries - 2012-05-18