Lucien Edward "Ned" Roberts

Ned Roberts was the kindest of mentors, as well as being wise and hilarious. I worked for him in the 1970's -- he made it possible for me to live in Abiquiu for 6+ years doing research and some community development work. Actually it was not work at all. I will miss Ned and do give thanks that his daylilies grace my garden and those of many others. I recall a time when his co-workers gifted him with a set of miniature garden tools for his office -- works of art. He loved it!

As a Buddhist monk, I make it a practice to always Mantra chant or say a meditation for Ned. I honor his true Essence and engulf him with the 'Eternals' pure White Light, its Compassion and its Love. The true characteristics of the eternal Primordial. He (Ned) is part of my spiritual family for eternity. I'll never forget the kindness that he had shown to me. As a work study student in his office, he showed me nothing but respect and treated me like a father would treat a son. I'll...

I met the kindest gentleman one day, while strolling through the spider daylilies at Oakes in Knoxville. It was one of Oakes' annual Open House days, when the Hem Society was in town. He noticed my close attention to the spiders and struck up a conversation, and I told him how wild I was for tall spiders and how unhappy I was that hybridization had gone in other directions that did not please me. I saw that I had found a kindred spirit. He was a tall, quiet man with an easy smile, wearing...

I had a work study job as an assistant to Ned at UNM. Joe, you want he beer, he asked on that hot Spring day in his office at UNM. I wasn't quite trustful of people at the time, and in fact, I also didn't drink any alcohol. But, here stood in front of me this tall, sincere, and the earthiest of a human being that I had ever encountered in a suit and tie. He always made me feel like I "belonged," and that he was not just my boss and mentor, but someone I knew for a long time...that special...

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Betty, Ned & I played together in Carrollton in the early 40s. "Ned the Red" was even then a memorable guy! I remember once when we had gone with his mother to the grocery store. Coming home in the car, Eleanor turned around to us in the back seat and admonished Ned, "Now, don't you peel a one of those bananas!" He didn't, but when we got home he had completely eaten one by putting his finger into the hole at the top where it had been attached to the stem and digging out the good part! Our...

Betty, Ned & I played together in Carrollton in the early 40s. "Ned the Red" was even then a memorable guy! I remember once when we had gone with his mother to the grocery store. Coming home in the car, Eleanor turned around to us in the back seat and admonished Ned, "Now, don't you peel a one of those bananas!" He didn't, but when we got home he had completely eaten one by putting his finger into the hole at the top where it had been attached to the stem and digging out the good part! Our...

I did not find this site until today. When I began collecting dayliies 10 years ago, Ned's were the ones I saved for and bought first. Today I have 19 of his cultivars and never fail to bless him as each blooms. He was an extraordinary visonary I regret having never met. My love, gratitude, envy and sympathy are sent to all in his family. God bless everyone of you.

Dear Betty:

I did not know until today about Ned´s passing. I am really sorry. As you know Ned was like a father to me during my scholarship in NM back in the 80s and later on a great help for developping my business in the US in the 90´s. We had a lot of time to talk during our long trips crossing the US and I always spoke about his love to you.

Ned was this kind of person this world needs. I will remember him and I will miss him.

Now I have four children. You will...