That's horrible. I often landed on his Rosegasms blog when searching for information about various roses.

John's passing leaves us with a big empty spot. He was a sweet, kind man, who loved roses and animals and -- well, most of creation. He showed us the wonders of the Fairmount Cemetery in Colorado, and the beauty of the "Pink Cracker Rose" -- beloved in Florida.

We are poorer, for his passing.

Thank you for sharing that horrible news. He's another of the rose people with whom instant friendship happened.

He was one of a kind.

and all theRoses that ever were will be there.

Thank you, Jeri. And well said, Vaporvac!

This is very bad. He was a rose breeder, too, and produced Lemon Zen, which seems to have won wide acceptance. I am so sorry.

It is very sad news. I dont know him but i remember him coming on a thread about his rose. I was happy to learn that we have a rose breeder but i never got the chance to know him. I really regret not meeting him. He sounds to be very nice loving , friendly, kind, down to earth gentleman. Sending prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

Jeri, you said it so well. I am truly sorry that you lost so many Rosarian friends . It is a lovely thought that they all meet on other side in heaven full of roses and be together.

Can we all go to this rose heaven, just not right away, Jeri?

Sheila -- Those people are all so good -- They'd let us sit in. And we can bring our dogs and cats, too.

Oh no. Terrible news! My condolences to everyone who knew him.

My condolences and prayers to all who knew him!