Russell Alden North

Russ was a long-standing member of the Manatee County Master Gardener program and had achieved Honorary status. He visited the plant clinic regularly bringing flower seeds for our distribution program. Among his many talents, he was a skilled woodworker and carpenter. Russ built many of the wooden arbors, benches, and decorative items in our Educational Gardens at the Extension Service. He built and donated screened butterfly houses for the program, many of which are still in use today. A charming person, Russ always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and good humor. He will be missed by those who knew and worked with him. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.