Werner Brack
October 15, 1930-August 12, 2018
Werner was born and grew up in Switzerland, attended the University of Technology in Zurich, and moved to New York where he completed his college education with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He went on to help develop the satellite phone.
Werner became interested in rhododendrons as a result of the walks he and his wife Patricia took through the gardens with their two daughters, Elizabeth and Pippa, at Planting Fields Arboretum while they lived in an apartment before buying their home in Nissaquoge. Once in a house with the possibility of a garden he went to work developing one.
He soon had a lovely garden not only growing a fine collection of hybrid rhododendrons but also branching out by planting a species walk which featured many fine species particularly those most difficult to grow on Long Island. He started hybridizing and in time had about nine plants that he named and most were introduced in commerce. They are Brookhaven, Janet’s Flair, Gotham Rheingold, Great Gatsby, Orange Leopard, Shoreham, Stonybrook, Voluptuous, and White Elegance. His name is engraved on the Chapter’s Hybridizer’s Cup five times for having the Best New American Hybrid.
Werner joined the NY Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society in 1971 and soon served on the Board of Directors. He continued to work for the Chapter together with his wife Patricia. They ran the Seed Exchange for many years and also helped with the Flower Shows. Werner arranged for the judges and Patricia helped with Clerking. He also gave a talk at the start of the meetings telling all what they should be doing with their plants at that particular time. Their work with the Chapter resulted in being awarded the Bronze Medal in 1994.
Werner’s activities soon caught the eye of members from District 7 and he became a Director of the ARS serving two terms on the Board. His work with the Society engaged him further in the workings and he became Treasurer of the Research Foundation, responsible for handling the funds of the Foundation and for seeing that those who were awarded money for conducting research were properly paid.
His work with the plants and with the Society culminated in his being awarded the ARS Silver Medal in 2010.
Werner was a presenter at many Hybridizer’s Round Tables that were held at Regional and National Conferences showing that he was held in high regard by his fellow hybridizers.
Werner had amazing powers of observation and he noticed things about the plants and the way they grew that eluded many of us. He was most generous with his knowledge and in sharing his plants with all of those who expressed a keen interest. It was a privilege to have been associated with him and to have shared many hours with him.
-Bud Gehnrich
Werner Brack's Hybrids:
Brookhaven Janet's Flair
Gotham Rheingold Great Gatsby
Orange Leopard Shoreham
Stonybrook Voluptuous
White Elegance