In Memoriam
Douglas Routley, professor emeritus and Yankee Gardener

It is with sadness that the Department of Plant Biology wishes to convey to the UNH community the passing of Dr. Douglas Routley on Sunday, Feb. 15, in Bellingham, Wash. Our well-loved colleague, he gave many years of service to students, the agricultural community and the public.

Best known as The Yankee Gardener, Doug’s weekly columns of wit and wisdom were carried in papers across the state, enlightened readers by providing many interesting tips on growing a wide range of varieties of garden plants appropriate for northern climates, attractive ornamental shrubs and by answering many gardening questions of his readers.

Doug received his Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University in 1957 and that fall joined the faculty at UNH as an assistant professor of biochemistry.

After a number of years he moved to the Department of Plant Science where he taught courses in plant propagation and plant nutrition as well as carrying on an active research program in the development of practical ways of adapting tissue culture for plant propagation.

Doug oversaw the university’s research greenhouse operation, gave numerous talks for local garden clubs, participated in the UNH Field Experience Program, and appeared regularly on the PBS Channel 11’s widely acclaimed “The Garden Show,” hosted weekly by the department. He also served as the editor of the New Hampshire Experimental Station’s widely distributed publication “Research Highlights.” He was the author of many scientific papers and received numerous honors, including the “Friends of Extension Award” in 1986.

Doug retired from UNH in 1991 and move to the Pacific Northwest. He leaves his wife, Jan (former Dover teacher) and two sons, Kevin and Keith. He will be missed.

-- Garrett E. Crow, chairperson, Department of Plant Biology