November 2, 2024

HEROES & LEGENDARY ICONS

The Hall Of Heroes Of
The Green Space Industry

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Douglas Meyer

The Greatest Turf Manager Of All Time
& The Last Great Leader Of The Golf
Industry’s Failing Trade Associations

NO ONE COMPARES TO THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE OF Mr MEYER

With his distinguished career & inspirational successes, Mr Douglas Meyer is considered a hero & a legendary icon.  He is known as a true master & the greatest turf manager of all time.  He believes in hard work, great diligence, & long hours.  He is also a serious environmentalist & an avid birder.

Mr Meyer is a huge supporter of the golf course superintendent profession, & has been an inspiration, a mentor, & a friend to many in the industry.

Under Mr Meyer’s strong participation with the board of directors, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Trade Association ( CGSA ) underwent unequalled successes & respectful-acknowledgements as a great trade association.

During his tenure as president & director, his powerful leadership & inspirational guidance led to fantastic successes, such as   ―      new environmental standards      new Master Superintendent evaluations   •   new national education seminar programs • new national occupational standards      new student scholarship awards      new trade association web-site      the new John B Steel award for distinguished service, & much more.

After his tenure as president, observers recognized that Mr Meyer was CGSA’s last great leader.  Future generations will ask the question   ―   why could we not have more fantastic leaders like Mr Meyer ?!?!  To most in the profession, Mr Meyer has been held in reverence as a hero & a legendary icon.  Almost an urban legend.  All superintendents must be grateful for his leadership.  He is the greatest of all time, & nothing compares to him.  Thank you, Mr Meyer.

LINKS

Douglas Meyer — The Great One & His Spirit Of Excellence — PDF-VERSION

Douglas Meyer — The Great One & His Spirit Of Excellence — PDF VERSION WITH NO REFERENCES

Douglas Meyer — The Great One & His Spirit Of Excellence — FOR MEDIA RELEASE

Douglas Meyer — The Great One & His Spirit Of Excellence

Douglas Meyer — Beaconsfield GC — Audubon Status

Audubon Golf Clubs In Canada

The Media History Of Canadian Golf Superintendents Trade Association

REFERENCES

A Day In The Life

Ace Of A Career In Golf Industry

Aerial Photography

Audubon Steward Network

Beaconsfield Golf Club Gets Green Stamp — Audubon

Beaconsfield Golf Club Tees It Up For Monarch Butterflies

Canada’s 1994 CGSA Officers

Cedarbrook Golf & Country Club

Collection Probably A Sickness

Distinguished Service Award — Quebec Golf Superintendents Association

For The Birds

Greenkeepers’ Associations & Golf — Ransomes International Tournament

Laurentian Retreat

Not A Thankless Job

Open For Business

Ouverture Des Terrains De Golf — Propos De Mario Brisebois

Pesticide Use Declining At local Golf Courses

Preparation For Winter

Ransomes International Tournament — Greenkeeper International

Reference Letter For Steven Pereira

Sonata In The Grass

Superintendent Of The Year

Teamwork Is The Order Of The Day

The Decline Of Metal Spikes Accelerates

The Nature Of The Game

CGSA — Award Programs

CGSA — Canadian Seminar Series

CGSA — Canadian Superintendents Win Environment Award

CGSA — Commitment To Environmentally Sustainable Practices For Golf Course Management

CGSA — Description Of The Profession Of The Golf Course Superintendent

CGSA — History Of Trade Association — 1966 – 2009

CGSA — John B Steel Distinguished Service Award

CGSA — Master Superintendent Program

CGSA — National Occupational Standards

 

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Robert ( Bob ) Wesley Sheard

The Wizard Of The Modern
Sports Turf Industry

1927 – 2020

LEGACY

A wizard is a person of amazing skill or great accomplishments.  A wizard is a person who, seemingly, who practices magic.  When we look at Dr Sheard, he was The Wizard Of The Modern Sports Turf Industry.  He was the wizard who made two blades of grass grow where one grew before.  Dr Sheard was a leading icon & tireless worker dedicated to the advancement of the sports turf industry.  His wizardry led to significant contributions to our understanding of soil science & plant agronomy.  As an advisor, researcher, & teacher, Dr Sheard helped businesses grow.  Even after retirement, his wizardry led to great accomplishments with the Sports Turf Trade Association.  Dr Sheard was one of the truly great heroes & a legendary icon.  Thank you, Dr Sheard.  

LINK

Robert W Sheard — 1927 – 2020 — The Wizard Of The Sports Turf Industry

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Don Gordon

The Gentleman Who Saved
The Green Space Industry

1957 – 2019

MEMORY

Mr Gordon was well-beloved & highly-appreciated by golf course superintendents & owners, as well as lawn care professionals throughout Eastern Canada & beyond.  He was truly one of the great heroes of the green space industry.  For four decades, Mr Gordon dedicated a life-time of service to the protection & the improvement of the green space industry.  His leadership saved these industries for at least a generation.  Don Gordon was likely the last of the industry leaders to have fought valiantly & effectively against pesticide-hating fanatжcism, a task that few today would have the courage to consider anywhere in North America.  

LINKS

Don Gordon — 1957 – 2019– The Gentleman Who Saved The Green Space Industry

Don Gordon — 1957 – 2019 — Le gentleman qui a sauvé l’industrie des espaces verts

Don Gordon — 1957 – 2019 — Communications With-Avec OJ Co — English-Français

Don Gordon — 1957 – 2019 — Guest Book — Montreal Gazette

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David Stewart Menzies Gourlay Sr

The True Gentleman & Great Founder
Of The Modern Golf Industry

1923 – 2018

MEMORY

Mr Gourlay was a true gentleman, & a gallant, undaunted, & legendary stalwart of the golf maintenance industry who was always sought out for his wisdom, his intelligence, & his wit.  He positively influenced the professional lives of vast numbers of people affiliated with the industry.  Thank you, Mr Gourlay.

LINK

David S Gourlay Sr — 1923 – 2018 — The True Gentleman & Founder Of The Modern Golf Industry

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James B Beard

The Pope Of Turfgrass

1935 – 2018

MEMORY

Dr Beard was a legendary icon, hero of the green space industry, & tireless researcher & author dedicated to the advancement of turfgrass science.  He touched the professional lives of tens of thousands turfgrass managers, researchers, & educators throughout the world.  Dr Beard meticulously researched books & publications that served as priceless information for the turfgrass industry.   His books became « bibles » for generations of turf maintenance professionals.  He was the author of best-selling « bibles » like « Turfgrass : Science and Culture » & « Turf Management for Golf Courses ».  His personal library, known as The Beard Collection, has been generally acknowledged to be the finest compilation of turf-related material in existence.  The Beard Collection now resides at Michigan State University with a recognition as the strongest public repository of turfgrass literature in the world.  Dr Beard was one of the truly great pioneers of turfgrass management & a legendary icon in the turfgrass industry.  Thank you, Dr Beard.

LINK

James B Beard — 1935-2018 — The Pope Of Turfgrass

REFERENCES

Beard — Benefits Of Turfgrass — Positive Benefits Of Turfgrass

Beard — Benefits Of Turfgrass — The Heritage Of The Turfgrass Industry

Beard — Benefits Of Turfgrass — The Role Of Turfgrasses In Env Protection & Benefits To Humans

Beard — Benefits Of Turfgrass — Turfgrass & Golf Course Benefits — A Scientific Assessment — USGA

Beard — Bridges Stocker Funeral Home

Beard — Champion Of Turfgrass — Turf

Beard — Golf Industry Mourns James B Beard, PhD — GCM

Beard — In Memoriam Dr James B Beard — USGA

Beard — Origin, Biogeographical Migrations & Diversifications Of Turfgrasses

Beard — Rhizotron — Spring Root Die-Back

Beard — The James B Beard Turfgrass Library Collection — MSU

Beard — Tribute To Dr James B Beard — STRI

Beard — Water — Turfgrass Selection & Management To Achieve Maximum Water Conservation

Beard — Water — Turfgrass Water Conservation Strategies

Beard — Wear Tolerance & Shade Adaptation Investigation

Beard — Winter Injury — Low Temperatures & Poa annua

Beard — Winter Injury Of Turfgrasses

Beard — Winter Injury

Musser — Advanced Turfgrass Management — July 1959

Noer — History Of Milorganite

Noer — OJ Noer Research Foundation

Noer — The ABC Of Turf Culture — March 1927

Noer — The ABC Of Turf Culture — September 1927

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Elizabeth M Whelan

A Giant In The Annals Of Public Health

1943 – 2014

LEGACY

The American Council on Science & Health ( ACSH ) is a non-profit organization that was founded by Dr Elizabeth M Whelan.  ACSH produces peer-reviewed reports on issues related to food, nutrition, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, life-style, the environment, & health.

LINKS

Elizabeth M Whelan — 1943-2014 — A Tribute

The Entire Media Library Of ACSH — Reports & Blogs

The Entire Media Library Of ACSH — References

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Jack L Eggens

The Great Communicator

1936 – 2013

MEMORY

Dr Jack Eggens was a legendary & iconic trail-blazer & hero of the modern turfgrass maintenance industry.  He was an accomplished teacher, lecturer, & professor.  Dr Eggens was also a renowned consultant & a meticulous researcher.  He was, without a doubt, a great unflinching advisor, jocular friend, & unwavering supporter for thousands turfgrass managers across the nation.  Dr Eggens was also a mentor for thousands of students who aspired to become great turf managers.  He made a great difference in thousands of people’s lives, & earned the reputation as « The Great Communicator ».

LINKS

Jack L Eggens — 1936-2013 — The Great Communicator

Jack L Eggens — 1936-2013 — The Great Communicator — The Turf Summit — Photos

Jack L Eggens — 1936-2013 — The Great Communicator — Thatch — OJ Workshop

Jack L Eggens — 1936-2013 — The Great Communicator — Article — Foreman Or Superintendent

Jack L Eggens — 1936-2013 — Send A Tribute About The Most Important Man In The Twentieth Century

Jack L Eggens — 1936-2013 — Disrespected By Idiotic Leaders Of The Turf Industry

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The Original Turf Summit, Which Featured Dr Jack Eggens
As Guest Speaker At OJ Company Event In Montreal …


Force Of Nature -- Hero -- 2013 08 26 -- Jack L. Eggens -- 1936-2013 -- The Great Communicator -- THE TURF SUMMIT ( ADVERTISEMENT )

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Des Rice

The Professional Lawn Care
Industry’s Greatest Businessman

1949 – 2011

LEGACY

Desmond Francis Joseph Rice was the co-founder of Weed Man lawn care franchises.  He was also the head of one of Canada’s leading franchise organizations That Franchise Group.  He was, without a doubt, the nation’s greatest franchise businessman.  Mr Rice was also the God-Father of the modern professional lawn Care industry.  He was legendary, iconic, & larger-than-life, with his trade-mark moustache.  He made a difference in many people’s lives, & developed the reputation as a great leader who genuinely cared for his family, employees, franchisees, & business associates.  

LINK

Des Rice — 1949-2011 — Greatest Lawn Care Businessman

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Gordon Witteveen

The Nation’s Greatest Golf Course
Superintendent & The Founding Father Of The
Golf Industry’s Ungrateful Trade Association

1934 – 2010

CGSA UNCEREMONIOUSLY & DISGRACEFULLY MISTREATS EVEN ITS FOUNDING FATHER

The Gordon Witteveen Award is another indication that Canadian Golf Superintendents Association ( CGSA ) is NOT FIT to serve the interests of its membership.

CGSA ungraciously dumped the beloved founding father of its trade association and its magazine  ―  the entire board of directors of CGSA will absolutely never amount to one-tenth the value of the man that was the high-ranking Gordon Witteveen.  The CGSA’s 2001 leaders were especially vicious against this beloved icon.  Future generations will ask the question ― WHY ?!?!

LINKS

Gordon Witteveen — 1934-2010 — Canada’s Greatest Superintendent

Gordon Witteveen — 1934-2010 — Unflinching Supporter — CGSA

Gordon Witteveen — 1934-2010 — UPDATE — Memorial

CGSA — The Failed Trade Association

CGSA — The Media History

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Otto Jangl

The Lion Of The Green Space Industry

1924 – 2008

LEGACY

Mr Otto Jangl was a pioneer & a hero of the Canadian turfgrass maintenance industry.  For over five decades, from 1956 to 2008, he dedicated a life-time of service to the growth of the industry & contributed much to the turfgrass world.  

LINKS

Otto Jangl — 1924-2008 — The Lion Of The Green Space Industry — Remastered

Otto Jangl — 1924-2008 — The Lion Of The Green Space Industry — Extended Version

Otto Jangl — 1924-2008 — Late Night Ramblings — Guest Book — Revised Version

Otto Jangl — 1924-2008 — Late Night Ramblings — Guest Book — Revised Version

Otto Jangl — 1924-2008 — Late Night Ramblings — Guest Book

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Claude Roberge

Hero & Pioneer Of The Turfgrass Industry

1939 – 2008

LEGACY

Mr Claude Roberge was a hero & a pioneer of the Canadian turfgrass maintenance industry.  For seventeen years, he participated in some of the most important events & decisions that shaped our turfgrass world.  His decisions & participation in turfgrass industry matters have influenced us across this nation to this very day.  

LINKS

Claude Roberge — 1939-2008 — Hero & Pioneer Of The Turfgrass Industry

Claude Roberge — 1939-2008 — Héro et pionnier de l’industrie de l’entretien de pelouses

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Joe Arpaio

Maricopa County Sheriff

WE NEED ARPAIO-STYLE JAILS TO INCARCERATE ANTI-PESTICIDE & ENVIRONMENTAL FANATICS

LINK

We Need Arpaio-Style Jails For Anti-Pesticide & Environmental Lunatжcs — Satire

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Hugh Hefner

Playboy, Activist, & Rebel

1926 – 2017

HUGH HEFNER & THE PASSING OF OTHER HEROES

Hefner cast himself as a crusader for civil rights, for free speech, & against repression of all kinds, while advocating both a sense of fun & a sense of responsibility.  Upon reflection, we think about the other heroes whom we have lost   ―      Jack L Eggens      Otto Jangl      Gordon Witteveen      Des Rice      Claude Roberge      Elizabeth M Whelan      Rob Ford.

LINK

Hugh Hefner — 1926-2017 — Playboy, Activist, & Rebel

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Original Meyer References


A Day In The Life

Not A Thankless Job

Distinguished Service Award — QGSA

Superintendent Of The Year

For The Birds

The Decline Of Metal Spikes Accelerates

Sonata In The Grass

Teamwork Is The Order Of The Day

Laurentian Retreat

Open For Business

Aerial Photography

Cedarbrook Golf & Country Club

Preparation For Winter

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