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Pacific
Southwest District
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Tribute by Dr. Tommy Carins | Tribute by Frank Hastings
by Dr. Tommy Cairns
The East County Rose Society and the American Rose Society has lost one of
its greatest supporters and friends. From the first day I met Coe and Rita Applegate,
some 20 years ago, I instantly recognized Coe as a man of integrity with a deep
respect for values and lasting friendships. There is no one who has not been
touched by his gentle manner and kind words as he traveled life with roses uppermost
in his private life. Giving volunteer service was second nature to this gentleman
rose grower, never failing to offer whatever help he could under whatever circumstances.
His service to local rose societies, whether it be as President, Board Member
or just a pair of helping hands was given freely without the expectation of
recognition. For Coe Applegate the act of volunteer service was seemingly reward
enough - a rare attribute within modern mankind.
To borrow a saying from Will Rogers, Coe never met a man he didn't like and
I know from my own personal experiences I don't know of a man or woman who didn't
respect Coe Applegate. His life and irrefutable respect for others was his hallmark
- a rosarian dedicated to one great hobby and its enjoyment, that of course
is roses! His search for knowledge in how to grow prize winning roses was passionate
dominated by his cross examination of me as I tried to explain the latest chemical
or feeding program. I am pleased to report that some morsels of wisdom must
have been picked up successfully for he, along with Rita, were constant winners
at rose shows. But it was not this thirst for knowledge that drove his passion
to victory, for it was his own desire to win and be proud of his achievements.
And he had just cause to celebrate constantly.
In May 2002, he and Rita won the much coveted silver punch bowl for Queen of Show at the Rose Hills Mothers Day Rose Show. They had won many other top honors but this one was the grand daddy of all. For almost 20 years he had admired this traditional trophy. Now at long last he and Rita had won it! What an incredible lift he got from winning this trophy. And then that very evening at the Pacific South West District Convention he and Rita received the highest honor of all, the 'ARS Silver Honor Medal'. That day will always be remembered as 'Applegates Silver Day'. In retrospect, how wonderful it was for Coe to experience the delights of recognition with a doubleheader and that it happened when he could enjoy the thrill of accomplishment. Having served a full and wonderful life in roses, the zenith of achievement has not escaped him.
No obituary can do full justice to a man of this caliber, for his character and achievements are extensive indeed - a quiet man with a soul devoted to family and roses. He will be remembered for expounding on his favorite subjects - new exhibition roses, gophers, 'Missy' his cat, and the latest chemicals for mildew. His compassion and concern for his friends was legendary - always there, always helping, always encouraging, always positive, always being just Coe Applegate!
We are all left with memories of a great rosarian and true friend, a downright sincere character often truthful in criticism but more often freely with praise, a kindness I was privileged to enjoy for the past 20 years. Quoting from Robert Burns, the great Scottish poet “A man's a man for all that!” Life will not be quite the same without Coe. A great man will no longer frequent our daily lives. On behalf of the American Rose Society I offer my affectionate sympathy to his wife, Rita, and daughter, Denise, who must contend and continue life without Coe, a loving husband and a devoted father.
Tommy Cairns
by Frank Hastings
The Rose World lost a wonderful contributor to its kingdom of beauty, Goodwill and pleasure. Coe passed away This June 24th with a bout of Cancer that led to pneumonia and his death. He will be sorely missed by his many Friends and Family. The devotion and service he and his wife Rita gave to the many Rose organizations be will long remembered.
Coe has been President of the San Diego and East County Rose Societies. He and Rita have been Rose Horticultural Judges since 1987. As an ARS Consulting Rosarian He has come to the rescue of many Rose society members for years. He and Rita have been PSWD chairman of Horicultural Judges and both have received the PSWD Outstanding Judges Award as well as The ARS Bronze and Silver Medals.
Coe and Rita have one of the most beautiful well kept gardens in California, filled with many of the latest and future introductions of Top Roses. His Bushes are an envy to all who view them. Lush green foliage with long stems and exhibition quality blooms. I love to visit the best public rose gardens in the PSWD taking note of many new additions but I have equal enthusiasm when visiting Coe’s garden.
Many of his friends That have shown him special interest in a certain variety have ended up with Coe removing the rose giving it to the admirer and replacing it with another . He has contributed many a rose to the Society raffles And Rose Auctions. Coe and Rita have contributed to the beauty of many rose shows with their many winning rose Horticulture exhibits.
I know that I and many of you will miss our good friend Coe Applegate.
