Richard W Workman

So sad to see that Dick had passed. I hadn't seen him since the early 1990's and I hoped to look him up on an upcoming trip. He was indeed a champion of native ecosystems in southwest Fl. He had a strong influence with my career working with natural systems throughout Florida. His book "Growing Native" should be republished to ensure that his legacy lives on all new Floridians can appreciate the plants that were once a dominant feature of the southwest Florida landscape.

Dear Wink, Sally, John, Tom and Susan, I was so sad to hear that your brother Dick had died. Even though it has been many years since we have seen Dick I still have many good memories of him and loved the times we would get together in Waynesville (which has always been "Workman" town for me) and your mom would keep my mom informed of his many activities. I am so sorry that Al & I will not be able to attend Dick's memorial but you and all your extended family will be in our prayers. We send our love to you all. Terri Sue(Griffith) Novak.

I had the pleasure of knowing Dick Workman since 1975 when I joined the staff of the newly formed City of Sanibel, while he was then director of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. He had an important role in influencing the manner in which the sanctuary island was and is developed, as well as having an profound presence in preserving the environmental integrity of all of Southwest Florida and beyond. Our SW FL natural environment has lost one of its greatest champions.

I havent spoken to Dick for many years but I have fond memories of his working with me on environmental projects and visiting his home & office off Daniels Pkwy and having wonderful discussions about our local history and his kind and subtle views on environmental issues.
I am blessed knowing Dick,
Chuck Mayhugh

Dick was so interesting and such a kind person, he will surely be missed.

I had the pleasure of sharing an office with Dick early in my professional career. His willingness and insistence to share his knowledge with a young professional was inspirational and greatly appreciated.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dick at Randell Research Center in Pineland about 12 years ago where we walked the grounds and he described all of the native plants in detail. My favorite memory that day was when he picked up the fruit of a mastic tree and told me how the Calusa may have eaten them? He was a fascinating man with a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humor. When protected parcels of land on Cayo Costa were under attack by the state for surplus sale we made a case about why the land should be maintained in it's natural state. The late Roger Clark, Dick and several of us walked all of the parcels and Dick meticulously described the plants while we took notes. Ultimately the document we submitted assisted us in seeing the land protected but it was that special day with he and Roger that I will never forget. He was very kind and I know he's looking down on all of us now smiling! Godspeed Dick!

Dick was one of the most gentle, kind, and knowledgeable people I ever met. He touched the lives of so many people, not the least of which were most of my children. He will be missed.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.