Richard Douglas "Dick" Streeper

1932 - 2014

BORN

1932

DIED

2014

Richard Streeper Obituary

Name: Service for Richard Douglas "Dick" Streeper
Start: 2014-10-23T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Balboa Park Rose Garden

Streeper, Richard 'Dick' Douglas 12/15/1932 ~ 10/14/2014 EL CAJON -- Dick was born in Los Angeles on December 15, 1932, and died October 14, 2014. He was a graduate of California Maritime Academy, Willamette University, and Willamette Law School. He practiced law in San Diego for over 40 years. Dick is best known as the "Rose Man" who wrote a monthly column in the San Diego Union- Tribune for over 20 years. He founded the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park in 1974. He also created the Rose Garden Corps of Volunteers who do the ongoing maintenance of the park garden which contains 1600 plants. He was president of the San Diego Rose Society in 1969, and he initiated the following society activities which continue to be traditions: pilgrimages to various rose-related sites, building a garden at the county fair, and pruning demonstrations in the park garden. He received numerous awards from the local rose society including the Bronze Medal and designation as President Emeritus in 2009. From the American Rose Society (ARS), Dick received the Klima Medal in 2004 for outstanding rose education. He served as Regional Director and District Director for the ARS from 1988 to 1994. The Pacific Southwest District of the ARS gave him awards for outstanding consulting rosarian, outstanding judge, and the Silver Honor Medal for service to the district. Dick is survived by his wife, Sue; and their three sons, Rod, Sam, and Joe; and four grandchildren. An informal celebration of Dick's life will be held in the Balboa Park Rose Garden on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 12 noon. Friends and acquaintances who were touched by Dick's life in roses are invited to share their memories of him. Bring a chair. Gifts in Dick's memory can be made to the San Diego Rose Society Rose Garden Trust, P.O. Box 86124, San Diego CA 92138-6124.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Oct. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Streeper

9 Entries

October 28, 2014

Dear Sue,
I was saddened to read Dick's obituary although it warmed my heart to do so. The name "Streeper" rings all sorts of bells in my memory that bring smiles as they say,"Pepper Drive, Rod, Sam,and Joe!"

My special memory of Dick is the deep gratitude I feel for his gift of professional time when we Dapperts were in need. Dick spent a very long evening outside Grossmont High School waiting for my turn to address the GUHSD school board back in about 1970! I believe the Memorial Rose Garden had not been established as a reality, but during the long waiting time I learned of Dick's early and continuing love for roses. I too share that love and include six of them with my present drought tolerant landscape. My home files include a well-worn copy of Dick's UT rose advice (12/24-2000). I will include his final write-up with it so that I may always remember with a gratedul heart this very fine man!

Fondly
Sally Dappert Brumfield

A spray of Graham Thomas in my yard

Carlynne Allbee

October 27, 2014

I am glad to have met Dick and treasure the memories of visiting him and his garden at rose events. Because of him, I have two treasured roses in particular, Graham Thomas and another, that I didn't know about, and probably would never have know if it weren't for Dick.

Kathy Puplava

October 22, 2014

My condolences to the Streeper Family. Mr. Streeper's contributions to the horticulture legacy of Balboa Park will always be appreciated. The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden is a tribute to his expertise, passion and leadership. He will not only be remembered as a dedicated volunteer, but also a generous teacher, a rosarian, a leader and champion of Balboa Park.
Kathy Puplava, retired Balboa Park Horticulturist

October 19, 2014

Condolences to the Streeper family, for so many years I enjoyed, and was very appreciative, to read the "Rose Man" column in the San Diego Union Tribune. This column sent me in the right direction in getting the best roses in my garden--Thank You! A couple of years ago, my husband and I enjoyed visiting your home and yard of roses---it was a wonderful afternoon of viewing and sniffing all those beautiful roses. Thank you, Mr. Rose Man and his family, for sharing your knowledge, goodwill and love of roses. May peace be with all of you. Bob and Vickie Flood

Gary Burns

October 19, 2014

My deepest sympathy and condolence to Sue and his family, Dick was a great man, and I will be forever grateful for his dedication to, and his knowledge of roses in Balboa Park. He took the time to personally show me the proper way prune roses in a one on one, hands on lesson. Something that will stay with me forever. I will miss seeing him in the park.

Patty Howell

October 18, 2014

San Diego Rose Society has lost a legend and the Streeper family and the greater San Diego community have lost a person of great capacity, compassion and excellence.

It was my pleasure to know and work with Dick for many years in a variety of rose-related activities including organizing national rose conventions, running local rose shows, pruning the rose bushes in Balboa Park, enjoying his and Sue's magnificant annual rose garden party, helping his campaigns for office with the American Rose Society, and working together to create the San Diego-Yantai Friendship Rose Garden in China. In all these activities and more, Dick's talents were invaluable, and they were accompanied by great intelligence and a modest charm.

Dick will always remain in my heart as a dear friend and someone I am so glad to have known.

With my love to Sue and to his sons,

Patty Howell

October 17, 2014

Sue, you have my deepest sympathy. Remember we are all so very sorry for your loss. Let us know if you need anything. I feel your loss.
Love, Eva

Dion Dyer

October 17, 2014

I'm so sorry and saddened by your loss. I'll never cease to admire Dick for his kindnesses to me and his exceptional and varied accomplishments, especially in law and horticulture. Please accept my condolences and sympathies to Sue, his sons and the rest of his family. May he rest in peace.

October 17, 2014

Condolences to your entire lovely family. I remember you all with such affection and enjoyed Dick's rose column every week. Fondly, Lynnea Venieris

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