Difference: HybridizerAnnandRobert (r28 vs. r27)

Hybridizer Robert Annand 1924-2013

Forest Ranch, California, USA

Robert Annand - Obituary

Bob Annand, nationally acclaimed iris hybridizer, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 14, 2013 at the age of 89. Bob was born on Sept 24, 1924 in Santa Cruz to Sam and Annie Annand and was the youngest of 5 children. Bob's formative years were spent on a 1000 acre ranch in Santa Cruz exploring nature, raising iris, as well as milking cows and caring for horses. The wonders of nature which existed on the family ranch opened up many avenues of interest for Bob, but raising iris was the most profound and lasted his entire lifetime. During WWII Bob served patriotically in the 8th Air Force in England aboard B-29 bombers serving as a spotter.

In 1948 Bob married a native born Montanan, Irene Mary Bronec, after a two year correspondence. Bob and Irene raised 3 remarkable children: Mariann, Tom, and Patti.

Graduating with a B.S. from College of Great Falls, MT., Bob majored in biological science and began a career with the Dept. of Agriculture beginning in Bakersfield, CA. and moving north to Brentwood, CA and Concord, CA. Desiring a new and more creative job, Bob and Irene opened Millwood Gardens Florist Shop in Susanville in 1972 and remained in business until 1989 at which time they retired and their daughter Patti and her husband Sam took over the business. Throughout his life Bob has always been active in civic minded groups such as Lions International and Guide Dogs for the blind. Bob could befriend any age person whether it be a 3 year old or a 30 year old senior. Bob knew no strangers and his easy smile and sparkling eyes drew people to his optimistic attitude, and his kind heart. Those of us in the Iris Society knew him as the essence of a loving, gentle man who cared and prayed for others and a person to whom you could ask any iris question to gain information. Bob Annand was never too busy to lend a helping hand and he always kept his promises.

Bob is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Irene, children Mariann Novarina (David) from Royal Oaks, CA., Tom Annand (Diane) from Hoopa, CA, and Patti Glass (Sam) from Lake Almanor, 3 grandchildren will sorely miss their grandpa: Shawna McNutt, Stephanie Amato, and Breanna Glass. Bob has one remaining sister, Dorothy, living in Santa Cruz. Finally 5 great-grand children will miss their grandpa Bob.

As a final tribute to Bob Annand, he would want all who knew him to give something of themselves to others. He always believed one person could make the world a better place.

Registrations/Introductions:

Arilbred: 'Burgunday Cascade', 'Kalifa's Cape', 'Kalifa's Fortune'. 'Kalifa's Horn', 'Kalifa's Joy', 'Maleka', 'Persian Queen', 'Return To Aga', 'Sandy Lover',

Miniature Tall Bearded: 'Dadgumit'.

Pacific Coast Native: 'Golden Scissortails'.

Standard Dwarf: 'Charmed Again', 'Escape Hatch', 'Havitur Way', 'Little Swiss Miss'.

-- Main.RPries - 2011-07-25