It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Lee Raden, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, who served as NARGS President from 1986 - 1990.

 

As stated in A History of the American Rock Garden Society by Marnie Flook, Lee "joined the ARGS (American Rock Garden Society before name change to North American Rock Garden Society) in the early 1960s. A few years later he was instrumental in organizing local members as a Section of the North Atlantic Region.  The Section soon became the Delaware Valley Region as more and more members joined. Many were inspired to join by Lee's entertaining and enthusiastic newsletters, and because of the fine programs and camaraderie among the members. Lee was Chairman of the group from its beginning until 1971. In 1966 he was elected to the ARGS board of Directors, which begin his long-time involvement with the national Society."

 

In 1967 the Delaware Valley Chapter, led by Lee, organized the Annual Meeting and two years later, in 1969, Lee Raden was a co-organizer of the first Study Weekend which was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

 

In 1984 Lee was elected Vice-President, and subsequently in 1986, President of the Society. And quoting Marnie Flook, again: "While he was President, Lee Raden was the national Sales Manager for Fabricated Metals, Inc., Manufacturers of semi-bulk containers, located in San Leandro, California. His job involved traveling all over the United States and, whenever possible, Lee included visits to ARGS Chapters on his trips." It was reported later that Lee visited 23 of our 29 chapters.

 

Under Lee's presidency, ARGS acquired a number of new chapters, significantly increased its membership, and underwent a number of major organizational changes.

 

All the while, Lee passionately tended to his rock garden in which he grew many challenging plants. He was also very active in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its Philadelphia Spring Flower Show.

 

He died on Oct. 22, 2010, age 85, after declining health during the past few years.  Survivors include his wife Mary Ann.

 

A fuller obituary will appear in the January issue of the NARGS Bulletin Board.

 

Grazyna

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