In Memoriam: Richard Weilminster

PLNA is saddened by the passing of Richard Joseph Weilminster, Sr. Please join us in remembering and honoring his life, work, and impact on PA's green industry. Our thoughts are with Rich's family, friends, and colleagues.

Rich loved plants and creating beautiful outdoor spaces. He earned an A.A.S. in Horticulture-Landscape Design from SUNY-Farmingdale, a B.S.A in Horticulture from the University of Georgia, an M.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from the Pennsylvania State University, and an M.S. in Education from Wilkes University. These accreditations led Rich to a long and distinguished career in academia and in dedication to several professional associations. His 34 years of service to Penn College and its immediate predecessor, Williamsport Area Community College, are a testimony to his passion for education and the horticultural sciences, as well as his admiration and respect for his colleagues, whom he considered family. He was also the owner of Weilminster's Brookside Nursery for over 20 years.

During his professional career, Rich was honored with several awards and distinctions. Among them are Penn College's highest faculty honor, the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award (1996), and the American Nursery and Landscape Association's L.C. Chadwick Educators Award in recognition of his outstanding work with students. After his retirement in 2006, Rich was granted Faculty Emeritus status at the college. Also that year, he received the Frederick J. Mummert Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania Landscape Nursery Association (PLNA). Rich was a member of the organization's board of directors for more than 20 years, as well as a PLNA life member and Hall of Fame honoree.

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