09-11-1921 – 24-01-2021

Bruce was a very experienced and capable grower of orchids.  He belonged to several orchid societies, including the Australasian Native Orchid Society Victoria Group and Warringal Orchid Society.

In asking orchid growers who knew Bruce for comments about him, the message was that Bruce was quiet, very kind, an absolute gentleman, very helpful to new members and other members, never made anyone feel small.

He was very knowledgeable about orchids and the culture of native and exotic orchids.  You would always learn something when in the company of Bruce.  One comment was, ‘The last time that I was talking with Bruce, I wished that time would stand still’. He would ask well thought out questions of speakers at meetings.

Bruce was always very helpful at the set-ups of Shows. He would see what needed to be done and get others to help.

Bruce was very conservation minded, used to go on trips up the east coast and never came back with a piece of an orchid. Bruce used to tell the story of one trip when he and a friend were making their way along a bush covered fence into an orchid area when the farmer confronted them.  After discussion the farmer offered to show them some orchids. On the way, passing a shed, the farmer picked up an axe. On reaching a stump with a large cymbidium in it, the farmer proceeded to shop apart the stump. After some discussion, the farmer agreed to leave the plant where it was…. yes, that was Bruce.

Tribute compiled by Helen Richards from comments from ANOS Vic Group Inc. members.

Donation from the Australian Orchid Foundation

AOTF receipt number 4205