Apart from interesting you in bamboo, what else did he do? Did he work with bamboo professionally, found a local chapter...?

About 10 or 12 years I was just riding around A1A in south St. Augustine and happened to see a slightly pudgy guy standing in a yard full of tall stuff. Out of curiosity I stopped to ask him what it was. He said it was bamboo and when he saw that I had an interest, he proceeded to give me a two or three hour tour of his place. At the time I didn't know bamboo from tall corn. Before I left that day, Richard gave me a start of a seedling B. Sinospinosa (which I still have) and loaned me a couple of books on bamboo. Over the years, whenever I was in the area, I'd stop by and he'd show me his latest addtions. Richard would NEVER tire of talking about bamboo. Also, they were very few times when he didn't send a plant along with me. I stopped by once when my arm was in a cast and he worked at least an hour (in August heat) digging a plant by himself for me. He even wanted to come to Jax. and plant it for me before I assured him I'd get it planted. He'd never accept any money for his plants. I know he was listed as a vendor in the bamboo ABS but I bet he gave away many, many times the number of plants that he ever sold. Each time I'd offer to pay and he'd just say to share it with others later on. Richard had his quirks (like we all do) but he's one of those unique people that you never forget and you'll never find a more generous man. He will be missed.
Doug

What age was he?

Wish I could have met him. Sounds great.

Richard was 53. Great words about the man Doug. We met him four years ago. We had one bamboo and had recently gone to Kanapaha where the bamboo fever infected us. Especially when we saw textilis Wong Chuk. Back then it was hard to get this bamboo. We had been on a waiting list for a year when we met Richard. The first bamboo we dug was this very plant. Through the years he has been generous to us and many others with bamboo and information. He seemed to know everyone. We are thankful to have known him.

I learned of Richard Waldron while reasearching bamboo online. Anyone that has done any kind of extensive bamboo research will have come across his name. Once when I was in a merchant's shop admiring some of the antiquities with my father I stumbled on a bamboo lamp (it was quite pricey). The shopkeeper saw me admiring it and we got to discussing bamboo. He then mentioned that Richard had been there earlier in the week and asked if I knew him, of which I explained I only knew of him and had not met him.

My son and I had the pleasure to meet Richard earlier this year while attending a dig at his house for donation to the Jacksonville Zoo. He was a very kind and energetic man and was especially good with my 6 year old, who like most six year olds liked to ask lots of questions and get into things.

Needless to say I was looking forward to future meets and discussions.

As for who he was and what he did, just Google for him. Better yet, follow the link here below

Here is a link that might be useful: Richard Waldron on Google

To see Richard's living bamboo legacy, visit the link below. I don't believe Richard ever sold a piece of bamboo, but he certainly gave away a lot of bamboo.

Roy in Tampa

Here is a link that might be useful: Richard Waldron's living bamboo legacy project