Joseph J. Samuels

SAMUELS, JOSEPH J., age 87, renowned bonsai pioneer and watercolorist, died April 9, 2007, at Baptist Hospital, Kendall, after suffering a severe stroke. A native of Pennsylvania, Samuels moved to Miami in the late 1940s, where he worked for the City of Miami Parks Department, as Superintendent, retiring in 1984. Samuels was instrumental in developing the art of bonsai in Florida, and considered by all as a master of the art, although he would be the first to refute that title. He was a humble, gentle man who always strove to develop the art of bonsai. He is remembered for introducing one of the most favored specimens in tropical bonsai, the Ficus nerifolia, of which his "Cloud" is a hallmark. A photo of his bald cypress was published in The New York Times after a reporter saw it on exhibit in Atlanta, GA in 1965. Samuels was instrumental in the formation of the Bonsai Societies of Florida, and served as president. He designed the organization's Bald Cypress logo. He was a good friend of the late John Y. Naka, the father of American Bonsai, and was invited to become an honorary member of the Nippon Bonsai Society. Samuels, a creative individual and Renaissance man, was also involved in the Orchid Society of Miami. A talented photographer, he was known for his slide presentations of the Everglades. Mr. Samuels is survived by his beloved companion, Mary C. Miller; a sister, Ann Staniland of PA and 4 nieces and 4 nephews. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to Friends of the Everglades, 7800 Red Rd., Suite 215K, S. Miami, FL 33143 or, www.everglades.org/donate.html To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.