In Memoriam: John A. Wott

John Wott and friends walking through the New Zealand forest at the Washington Park Arboretum

We are saddened to share the news that Dr. John A. Wott, retired Professor Emeritus, Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington and former Washington Park Arboretum Director, passed away on August 28, 2021, at the age of 82.

Dr. Wott, who earned his bachelor’s in agricultural education from Ohio State University in 1961, and then his master’s (1966) and Ph.D. (1968) in ornamental horticulture from Cornell University, established himself as an expert in the horticultural community first at Purdue University and then at the University of Washington.

He joined the UW faculty in 1981 and taught with us for many years, playing a major role in the development of the Center for Urban Horticulture. He was appointed Director of the Washington Park Arboretum in 1993. During his 13-year tenure, he helped in developing the arboretum’s Master Plan and balancing the interests of stakeholders including the university, the city of Seattle, immediate neighbors and state government. Dr. Wott was appointed the Acting Director for the Center for Urban Horticulture from 2003-2004, before retiring in 2006, as Professor Emeritus.

John stayed connected to UW Botanic Gardens throughout his retirement, offering guidance, advocating for new initiatives and sharing history through his “Glimpse Into the Past” newsletter contributions. He was deeply dedicated to his work, his family and his friends, and made immeasurable contributions to his community throughout his life. His full obituary and plans for services can be found here.

Read on for reflections from many who new John well:

Ray Larson, Curator of Living Collections and the Otis Douglas Hyde Herbarium, Interim Director, University of Washington Botanic Gardens:

John with staff in his garden
John with Ray Larson and a group of UW Botanic Gardens staff members, looking up from his Seattle Garden.

“I first met Dr. Wott while working as an on-site facilities assistant at the CUH on the weekends in the early 1990s. He was often in his office or in the Public Education workroom in the old Merrill Hall, sending out yearbooks and correspondence from the International Plant Propagators Society, of which he was the long time Secretary. While I kept an eye on the weddings or social events on the weekends at CUH he was often the only staff person I ever saw and was always friendly and chatty.  As I got to know him better, he would often tease me and ask if I could grab him a beer from one of the social events. I always said that I didn’t want to jeopardize my job!  But I believe after several years I may have finally met his request thanks to a friendly caterer after the guests had left.

In later years as my responsibilities grew, he would jokingly refer to me as “Dr. Larson.” We had a lot of good conversations and I learned a lot about CUH and later the Arboretum from him. His slide collection was legendary, and he was always organizing it and sorting it after lectures. He had built up quite a collection of slides of plants, landscapes and gardens over the years. He would frequently let others check them out for their presentations around the region. John influenced a lot of people and poured a lot of his life into CUH and the Arboretum, in more ways than one. I watched him wrestle with the Master Plan and the public meetings in the late 90s, and of course took his required Public Presentation in Urban Horticulture class while a graduate student in 2001. We were one of the first to use PowerPoint and one of the last to use slides. But the practice, lessons and trial by fire were great teachers. And his Plant Propagation class was a lot of fun, especially as he introduced us to nursery people and growers he knew. He was proud of his students and made sure to keep in contact. And he never forgot a birthday–there was always a funny card or note for staff. He was always a constant presence at what is now UW Botanic Gardens, and his legacy will loom large for many years to come.”

John with Jane Stonecipher at the Arbor Circle donor celebration, 2018.
John with Jane Stonecipher at the Arbor Circle donor celebration, 2018.

Jane Stonecipher, Arboretum Foundation Executive Director:

“I first met John when he was 78, soon after I joined the Arboretum Foundation. Although he probably already had enough friends for three lifetimes, he quickly added me to the flock. I admired his generous heart and the delight he took in the people around him. We had the honor to help stage his 80th birthday celebration, where he reflected on his decades with the Arboretum, challenging its current stewards to think differently and to think big—we hope we’ll make you proud! John, thank you for sharing your wit and wisdom; I have no doubt you are already working on your best garden yet somewhere in the heavens.”

 

Fred Hoyt, Retired Director,
University of Washington Botanic Gardens:

John with Fred Hoyt in the McVay Courtyard at the Center for Urban Horticulture.

“John was a mentor who became a friend. His advice led my career to the directorship. He once told me

early on that if you can’t offer another solution don’t criticize. He also recommended that I needed to talk to those above me to get to know them, it would pay off. John provided me many opportunities to move up in my career and was my advocate.

I really enjoyed the lunches he and I had with the student awardees of the John Wott Endowed Student Award and those discussions. I was honored to make these awards that were in his name.

John used to have these great holiday parties. He loved being with everyone and having everyone together. The best ham in the world!

During our friendship it will come as no surprise that he and I shared many a Manhattan.”

 

Daniel J. Hinkley, Plant Explorer, Author, and Director Emeritus of Heronswood Garden:

“I called him Dr. Wott long after our professor/student relationship evolved to that of mentor/friend. It was the least I could do to honor him and all that he did for me personally and professionally. He gathered about him a wildly eclectic assemblage of people from around the world. This is not an overstatement. The remarkable achievement during his life is that he somehow managed to keep these friendships active and vibrant. He did this seemingly effortlessly, simply through his thoughtfulness and empathy. If there was a birthday, an anniversary, a challenge, or loss in life, he was the first to write that note or greeting, and this he did dependably. I received my birthday greeting from him this year just days before I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. John’s leadership, like his friendships, was as successful as it was because of the same qualities: calmness, thoughtfulness, and the ability to take on something and see it through to its end. All the while, Dr. Wott’s generosity—in time, resources, and commitment—shone through. After 40 years of knowing him, admiring him, and noting his wisdom while appreciating his kindness, I believe this magnanimity will be his lasting legacy.”

Barbara Wright, Former Arboretum Foundation Board President:

John with colleagues Sarah Reichard and Carrie Cone, 2015.
John with colleagues Sarah Reichard and Carrie Cone, 2015.

“Dr. John was a spectacular man in so many ways. He was so accomplished academically and celebrated as a national horticultural leader. And he was absolutely just a wonderful human—hilarious, loving, wise, compassionate—and he embraced life fully. Dr. John was a tireless supporter of the Arboretum, and he generously gave his time, knowledge, and personal connections to make the gardens interesting, restorative, and welcoming to all. It is not possible to be in the Arboretum without feeling his energy throughout the park. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered for all he gave us.”

Brian Thompson, Manager and Curator of Horticultural Literature, Elisabeth C. Miller Library, UW Botanic Gardens:

“John remembered everyone’s birthday! He always sent a card if a personal note, even this last spring when he was “In and out of hospitals”, quoting his last card to me. Outreach was very important to John. For many years, he organized monthly garden tours for the Mature Friends social group, drawing on his vast network of friends and associates in the Puget Sound horticultural community to find outstanding and often rarely visited private gardens.”

"Dr. Treasure" delivering remarks at his 80th birthday celebration.
“Dr. Treasure” delivering remarks at his 80th birthday celebration.

Jason Morse, Landscape Architect & Former Arboretum Foundation Board President:

“When discussing his long and eventful career, John once told me, ‘I love plants, and I love people. It’s that simple.’ And it occurred to me that love was really what he was about. He showed love to his family, his friends, his neighbors, to the waiter who brought him a Manhattan, and to literally everyone he interacted with. It’s the thing that defined John and made him the force of nature that he was. We all felt that love, and it made our lives richer. He will be deeply and truly missed.”

Paige Miller, Former Arboretum Foundation Executive Director:

“In 2009, I made a Facebook post about the Arboretum and a comment came back, ‘Do you know John Wott?’ ‘Yes,’ I replied, ‘he is one of the treasures of the Arboretum.’ And, thus he was dubbed Dr. Treasure, as he indeed was to so many of us. John was a mentor, an advisor, and a dear friend to me and many hundreds of others. He gave so much to the Arboretum in his talks about its history and its plants, in his generous financial contributions, and in his hosting of innumerable parties for us in his stunning subtropical garden. He loved to play host and he absolutely loved a good party. In my mind’s eye, I will always remember a dapper Dr. Treasure with his beloved shillelagh in one hand a Manhattan in the other. Godspeed, John. You are most dearly missed.”

Dan Brown, Corkery Family Director’s Chair and Professor, University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences:

John with SEFS Director, Dan Brown, 2018.
John with SEFS Director, Dan Brown, 2018.

“I was fortunate to have the benefit from John’s support, encouragement, and friendship from early on in my tenure as SEFS director, and I have seen first-hand what a profound influence he had on so many of us, and on the broader Seattle and Pacific Northwest horticultural community.”

 

Walt Bubelis, Professor Emeritus, Edmonds Community College:

“I’ve known John from when he first came to the Center for Urban Horticulture. He and Harold Tukey invited me amongst others to help identify topics of interest to the horticultural community both commercial and passionate gardeners plus instructors for the classes and seminars. His interest in furthering the horticultural expertise in all realms was evident from the start.

I continued to sit with him on various boards and committees to which he always brought a great sense of humor along with astute observations. Whether it was the Arboretum Bulletin committee or the Kruckeberg garden committee, his interest in people who could help tell a tale or further a project was always welcome.

It was an additional pleasure to visit his garden numerous times, sometimes taking cuttings to both the Edmonds College greenhouse and the Calvert Greenhouse. I intended to visit him in Indiana and see how his new garden was coming along.

I shall dearly miss him.”

Left to right: Michael Shiosaki, Jim Reid and John Wott at the opening of the Arboretum Loop Trail, 2018.
Left to right: Michael Shiosaki, Jim Reid and John Wott at the opening of the Arboretum Loop Trail, 2018.

Jim Reid, Former Arboretum Foundation Board President

“I know how much Dr. Wott cared by how much he shared. He shared his love for the Arboretum, and his thoughts and ideas on how to improve it. His passion (and cajoling) inspired me to be a better Arboretum Foundation Board member. John was dynamic and caring, a fabulous connector of people, and supportive and encouraging. Thank you, Dr. Treasure. As you did for so many others, you made a big difference in my life.”

Michael Shiosaki, Director, Bellevue Parks & Community Services

“Whenever I think about the Washington Park Arboretum, I think of Dr. John Wott. So much of what we see and experience in the renewed Arboretum has John’s thoughts in it, and fingerprints on it. His efforts toward a new vision for the Arboretum helped to create the 2000 Arboretum Master Plan—a plan that still guides the long-term vision for this special place today. But for John it was more than just a fabulous collection of plants, and more than just a place, it was the people at the UW and Arboretum who meant so much. Dr. John cared deeply about his students, colleagues, friends, and co-conspirators with whom he freely shared his wisdom, wit, and humor. John’s legacy lives on in the special place he helped to create and sustain, and the many lives he touched along the way.”

John with David Zuckerman, 2003.
John with David Zuckerman, 2003.

David Zuckerman, Manager of Horticulture, University of Washington Botanic Gardens:

“I’ll be forever indebted to the Plant Doc for launching my wonderful horticulture career with UW Botanic Gardens.” In 2016, John wrote an article reflecting on the origins of the Center for Urban Horticulture, remembering that shortly after his arrival at UW in 1981, “David Zuckerman, a former Purdue student of mine and now Manager of Horticulture at UW Botanic Gardens, surprised me on a fall day. He was looking for job, and after I sent him to see Joe Witt, Curator, he was hired.”

Riz Reyes, Former Student and UW Botanic Gardens Horticulturist (2001-2015):

“It’s always encouraged that college students develop a good working relationship with their professors, but it’s rare that they can also maintain a nurturing friendship outside of the classroom. It was a privilege to have been Dr. Wott’s student, personal gardener and also his friend. He understood my level of involvement and commitment to my work, but also understood the importance of balance: family, community, and fun. Dr. Wott reminded me that I was more than just a horticulturist.”

Della Balick, Former Arboretum Foundation Board President:

John with colleagues in the 1990s, planning for the Arboretum's Pinetum.
John with colleagues in the 1990s, planning for the Arboretum’s Pinetum.

“I first met John when we were both members of the Arboretum and Botanical Garden Committee in the 1990s. One of our tasks was to produce a new master plan for the Arboretum, which involved numerous meetings trying to please the various stakeholders. These could often be tedious or difficult, and we all tried our best to be respectful. What I remember was John with that twinkle in his eye and smile on his face—able to help us put everything in perspective! His deep understanding of trees, plants, gardens, and people were most valuable! We went on to serve on the Arboretum Foundation board together and remained friends. I will miss his wisdom, wit, and friendship and that twinkle in his eye! He certainly enriched my life!”

Richie Steffen, Executive Director, Miller Botanical Garden:

“I always appreciated John’s willingness to share with others. He was an amazing mentor to so many, influencing and encouraging several generations of youthful horticulturists to love their work and be leaders in their field. It was a joy to be with John at various horticulture events and watch him ‘hold court’ and be surrounded by people who loved him. I will miss seeing him and talking with him, but I will always be reminded of him as I work with many of my peers who were shaped by his advice and guidance.”

Ciscoe Morris, host of “Gardening with Ciscoe”:

John with Ciscoe Morris presenting for KIRO Radio at the Florabundance plant sale, 2002.
John with Ciscoe Morris presenting for KIRO Radio at the Florabundance plant sale, 2002.

“I remember when I first met John Wott. It was almost 30 years ago, shortly after he moved to Seattle. I was a relatively new host of “Gardening with Ciscoe” and somehow I got the nerve up to ask John to be a guest on my live KIRO radio show. Right after asking him, I had second thoughts. I began to wonder if someone this accomplished and intelligent might be arrogant—a stuffy intellectual interested in only talking about his gazillions of accolades or giving scientific explanations that the average gardener wouldn’t understand. I was in for a big surprise. He was one of the nicest and funniest guests I ever had on my show. He had an incredible sense of humor, and had a way of imparting information that was entertaining and easy for the average home gardener to understand. During the show, he told hilarious stories that helped callers and listeners learn effective, practical ways to deal with their horticultural problems. He was a guest many times over the years. We always gave each other a hard time, but it was all in fun, and listeners told me they loved our back and forth banter. The only problem was that I was supposed to be the funny guy but he stole the show!”

Bruce Bare, Dean and Professor Emeritus, University of Washington:

John Wott with Christmas ties
John sporting a selection of Christmas-themed neckties, 2004.

“I first met John in 1981 when I was a member of his hiring committee for CFR. Over the years I came to appreciate his vast knowledge of horticulture and his ability to work with a diverse set of constituents. In addition, I enjoyed his somewhat wry sense of humor as well as his dedication to his job as Director of the Arboretum.

More recently, we traded emails about his projects around his home in Indiana. I will miss continuing these conversations.”

Andy Sheffer, Director of Planning and Development, Seattle Parks and Recreation:

“Dr. John Wott found the balance between work, love, and play. John was a mentor to all and readily shared his lifelong learnings and love of horticulture. The journey was always more important than the ends. John relished the preparation and research that he put into all of his endeavors. John had panache and enlightened us on the importance of fully enjoying every moment in life. We are thankful for the care and consideration granted to us by Dr. John Wott.”

Meg Harry, Former Arboretum Foundation Board Member:

“He was absolutely brilliant in mind, but when I say brilliant, I mean he had a light that shines and can’t be dimmed (even now), no matter what others think. His was a light that sparkled, as his eyes always sparkled with mischief. And if you knew him at all, you knew his brilliant, mischievous spirit. Dr. Wott loved to tell tales and to share stories. And his quick wit and insight turned what could have been gossip into brilliant stories that illuminated lives and ideas and differences, always told with humor, and an understanding that was well-earned.”

Fred and Judy Isaac, Former Members of the Arboretum Foundation Board:

John with friends at the Arboretum Foundation annual meeting, 2018.
John with friends at the Arboretum Foundation annual meeting, 2018.

“He was a big man with a big heart and so generous. We felt honored to be included in his circle of friends. This is a sad loss for our community as he was a font of knowledge, history, stories, and memories. John had many friends in the Seattle area, and we know it was difficult for him to make the move to Indiana, even though he knew it was the right decision for him and his family. His legacy stretches far and wide among the people he has mentored and the friends he leaves behind.”

Joe Abken, Executive Director, Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation:

“I met John at an NHS Meet the Board Tour about 12 years ago. I was sitting on the steps of the house and he sat down next to me. I had no idea who he was at the time, but we struck up a conversation that never stopped. While never a formal student of John’s, he took me to task and encouraged me, advised, and listened.

A teacher in every way, but more importantly, he became a dear friend. What a gift. Our community has some big shoes to fill, but I hope we will step forward and continue to influence, encourage, and befriend new and upcoming horticultural talent and leaders, just as John has done.”

John at the opening for the Pacific Connections Garden, 2008.
John at the opening for the Pacific Connections Garden, 2008.

Iris and Ted Wagner:

“We had the privilege of co-chairing the Environmental Education Center Pre-Design Study with Dr. Wott. To observe John’s uncompromised commitment to horticulture, education, and the Arboretum was an experience we will never forget. All his amazing leadership skills were on full display, but it was his true love of people that towered above all. He was one of the greats! Thank you John, for coming to Seattle and leaving us all with a better place to live. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.”

Thomas Hinckley, Emeritus Professor:

“The list of things John and I did together, including sitting next to each other in the 1991 Rose Bowl, is long. I think he ended up doing or becoming what Tukey’s early vision for CUH/UWBG was, that is, becoming the face of public and private gardens and the role that education and research had in supporting such gardens. He had a commitment and a passion that was unmatched. I learned a lot from him and especially enjoyed working on the Master Planning Committee and the Master Plan Implementation committee with him. I think he was skeptical that I, as a forester, would bring an appropriate effort and energy to CUH when I became interim director and then director (began when Clem left the position of Director of CUH and ended June 30, 2004). Working together on the recovery following the fire and all things CUH and WPA in the end convinced him. His approval of my efforts made me proud. I also enjoyed having him as a neighbor.

John with Tom Hinckley and friends at the 2001 Rose Bowl

I shared with John some extraordinary highs and lows. One of the highs was discovering that our January 1, 2001, Rose Bowl seats were side-by-side (photograph of John, his friends, Katie, Matt, and Tom Hinckley). (John was a purple-colored Buckeye.) As noted in the photograph, the Huskies had beaten Purdue. However, the greatest gap between a high and low occurred between May 7, 2001, and May 21, 2001.

On May 7th, the Seattle City Council approved the Master Plan, “Renewing the Washington Park Arboretum.” Hours of joint City, Foundation, University committee work, public presentations, thought, and worry had gone into the document. Its approval by the Council was hoped for, but not a given. We celebrated! The University of Washington’s Board of Regents’ Approval some 11 days later had been a given. For the next four or five years, John and I were on the Implementation committee where we prioritized, planned, designed, witnessed and celebrated many of the first steps in the Plan. May 21, 2001 was the fire-bombing of Merrill Hall. As horrible as this was, what John and I witnessed from the faculty, staff, students, supporters, and friends of the Center was commitment, passion, and support in the recovery and rebuilding of Merrill Hall and its programs.”

 

The family requests that anyone considering sending flowers or gifts instead make a donation in John’s name to either of the following:

John A. Wott Botanic Gardens Endowed Student Award

Arboretum Foundation

Friends who would like to add their reflections are invited to do so in the comments below. Comments on this site are moderated, but your notes will be reviewed and posted in no more than one business day.

2016 dedication of John Wott Way at the Washington Park Arboretum
2014 at Ginny Ruffner's garden party.
Celebrating birthdays with Arboretum staff Lou Stubecki and Shauna Hartung.
John Wott and Fred Hoyt in the early days of the Center for Urban Horticulture.
2003 Arbor Vita fundraiser party.
2011 Arboretum Foundation "Walks & Talks" tour with Jim Travis and John Wott.
John leading a tour for the Arboretum Stewards volunteers in 2004.
2018 NW Flower & Garden Festival opening night party.
2017 NW Flower & Garden Festival opening night, with UW Botanic Gardens Associate Director Wendy Gibble
Opening night 2009 with Becky Johnson.
2004, posing with a cardboard cutout of former student Scot Medbury, now Executive Director of Sonoma Botanical Garden.
John and Fred Hoyt with 2018 student award recipient Sarah Shank.
Arbor Day 2001, with fellow horticultural heroes Cass Turnbull and Arthur Lee Jacobsen.
ArbFest 2016, with Ciscoe Morris and then Arboretum Foundation Executive Director Paige Miller.
2012, John as Father Christmas.
2017 Arbor Circle donor celebration with Jim Reid.
2013 Arboretum Foundation annual meeting.
John at the Arboretum with then UW Botanic Gardens Director Sarah Reichard and arborist Chris Watson.
Sarah Reichard, Brian Reichard, Fred Hoyt, David Zuckerman, Kern Ewing, Sandra Ewing, John Wott and Clem Hamilton.

Photos included courtesy of University of Washington, Arboretum Foundation, John Wott, Auslaug Harraldsdottir, Jim Reid and Tom Hinckley.

6 Responses to “In Memoriam: John A. Wott”

  1. Ken Bounds

    John was such a steady force during his tenure as Arboretum Director. For those of us involved during the development of the Arboretum Master Plan, John was respectful of the neighbors who were concerned about “their park” while focused on the best possible vision for the State of Washington’s arboretum. He was a gentle soul with great passion for the Arboretum. The Arboretum we enjoy today is a direct result of his passion.

  2. What a kind, warm, genuine, smart, funny man John was, and that’s just the half of him of course. He drew us all to him, made us all better for it. He’d always begin our long phone chats with “Well hello Miss Sue”. Always a start with a smile, and then we’d be off and running, working over the big horticulture issues of the day, relishing the shoulds, woulds, oughts, wishes. I was fortunate to be a small mote in his big beautiful universe. I’ll always remember his special, wise, warmth.

  3. Doug Critchfield, Former Natural Resources Unit Manager, City of Seattle

    Dr. Wott had a special influence on me at the Arboretum. He and I became friends over my tenure. When I needed advice about the Japanese Garden or the Arboretum, I would often call him to gain his perspective. Page and I worked with John on the Foundation’s role at the Japanese Garden. He was always willing to give us his opinion and share his passion for all things horticulture. I know that he will be missed in the Arboretum, Seattle Horticulture and University of Washington family.

  4. Scot Medbury, Executive Director, Sonoma Botanical Garden

    Dr. John Wott was one of those genuinely enthusiastic plant people who was as passionate about people as he was about plants. Over decades of university work, and especially through his involvement in the International Plant Propagators Society, he built a network of contacts internationally that kept him abreast of the field of horticultural science. With Dr. Harold Tukey, he was a founding faculty member of the Center for Urban Horticulture and worked tirelessly to mentor students (myself included) and to advance all of the sites of the UW Botanic Gardens, especially the Washington Park Arboretum, which he photographed and wrote about extensively. His joie de vivre was legendary, and will be much missed.

  5. Thomas Hinckley, Emeritus Professor

    I learned of John’s death on Monday. I had been regularly emailing him and occasionally calling. I knew things were going downhill but was still shocked. The list of things we did together including sitting next to each other in the 1991 Rose Bowl, is long. I think he ended up doing or becoming what Tukey’s early vision for CUH/UWBG was, that is, becoming the face of public and private gardens and the role that education and research had in supporting such gardens. He had a commitment and a passion that was unmatched. I learned a lot from him and especially enjoyed working on the Master Planning Committee and the Master Plan Implementation committee with him. I think he was skeptical that I, as a forester, would bring an appropriate effort and energy to CUH when I became interim director and then director (began when Clem left the position of Director of CUH and ended June 30, 2004). Working together on the recovery following the fire and all things CUH and WPA in the end convinced him. His approval of my efforts made me proud. I also enjoyed having him as a neighbor.

  6. Rita Rae Cloney, Arboretum Volunteer

    I first encountered John when I was volunteering at the Center for Urban Horticulture for the Sedum Program, in late 1980s. Time passed…he became Arboretum Director, and I became involved in Arboretum Foundation groups. When Barbara Harris and I were looking for a place to start the Plant Donations Nursery as a year-round fundraising operation in the Arboretum, it was John Wott who decided that we could use the site we now have. As he tells it, not everyone was on board with our request for the space, but he had faith in us, along with our promise to maintain it as agreed. John was always supportive of the program, and he was a good friend to me.