Roger Garrigue (b. Oct. 26, 1922, d. May 30, 2010). Roger Garrigue grew up in Toulouse, France and served 6 years in the French Navy on the submarine Argo. During WWII, to avoid capture by the Germans, his submarine sailed from Dakar, Africa to the United States on peanut oil where the crew later assisted the U.S. Navy with their Submarine Squadrons in New London, CT and Key West, FL. Afterward, he served one year with the U.S. Army Public Relations Service in Europe. He became a proud United States citizen in 1947.

Roger fell in love with Margaret Snellbaker and they married in November of 1944 in Philadelphia. They were married and had three children: Roger, Garry, and Nancy. Roger became a widow in 1974 when his wife died of cancer. In 1976, he married Marjorie Rosati. Marge, as she was known, was very active in the Shady Ladies of ISA. Together they loved to travel in their RV, go camping and fishing, play cribbage, visit friends, and go to ISA conventions. They were very happily married for 33 years until Marge passed away in September 2009.

Roger developed a love for trees when he began working as a tree surgeon in Philadelphia in 1948. It was here in Philadelphia that he got the nickname "Frenchy" because of his strong French accent.  He and his family moved to Los Angeles where he continued to work as a tree surgeon, first with California Tree Service, and then with the Los Angeles Street Tree Division. He was involved with the Street Tree Seminar and became director of it in 1977. After 27 years of service, and with much education along the way, he retired from the City of Los Angeles in 1983.

Roger's involvement with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) began in 1969. He served in all the Western Chapter's offices becoming president in 1979, and then held offices on the international board, ultimately becoming President of ISA in 1992. During his tenure, he radically increased membership as well as donations to the Research Trust Fund. He also assisted in the development and growth of the European branch of ISA even helping the tree planning for Disney in Paris, France.  His goal in life was to teach others about the all encompassing beauty and purpose of trees. In his own words the day before he passed, he said, “I taught hundreds of people that trees are one of God’s greatest gifts. Tell them, I love trees now more than ever and I will pray for ISA from up in heaven.”

These are just some of the things that Roger did, but what really counted was his character. He was a faithful man, tenderhearted, and loyal to his faith, family, and friends. He was a diligent worker whose motto was in part, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” which he demonstrated in his creativity in problem solving. He had a great sense of humor and gentleness about him while being a perfect gentleman who loved to care for others. He always wanted to give to others, even when he was sick, and was always grateful for others and their special relationships. He would want to thank and bless each and every person who knew him for their friendship and love.

Roger’s memorial service was held Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 9:30am at Scripps Kensington Retirement Home chapel, 1516 South Marengo Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803. If you would like to further Roger’s passion for trees to others, please make a donation in his honor to the TREE Fund.  Donations can be made online at www.treefund.org or by mail to TREE Fund, 552 S. Washington St., Suite 109, Naperville, IL 60540.           

Next time you watch a leaf fall to the ground – think of Frenchy and then…carry on!

Yours in trees,

Rose