Roughly 200 close friends of Arboretum Director Emeritus John Wott gathered in the Arboretum on Sunday afternoon, October 2, to celebrate his tireless leadership, inspired teaching, and passionate advocacy for the Arboretum—and to dedicate a trail in the New Zealand Forest in his honor.
John cuts the ribbon to officially dedicate John Wott Way.
Leading the procession up John Wott Way. (Photo by Auslaug Harralsdottir)
It was a splendid sunny day, featuring bagpipe music, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a procession up the trail, followed by speeches, champagne, and cake at the Pacific Connections shelter.
Foundation Executive Director Paige Miller emceed the remarks portion of the event and gave the toast. Other speakers included Director of Planning and Development at Seattle Parks and Recreation Michael Shiosaki and UW School of Environmental and Forest Science’s Tom Hinckley.
John, with Foundation Executive Director Paige Miller. (Photo by Ellen Hecht)
John with friends from the Volunteer Park Conservancy. (Photo by Dulce Frial)
In her speech, Paige quoted one of John’s former students, Jamie Gibbs, “How appropriate that the Arboretum is naming a path for John, considering the professional, moral, and spiritual path he has guided his followers down for years.”
John with friends from the Arboretum Foundation.
One of two plaques marking John Wott Way in the New Zealand Forest.
Congratulations John and thank you!
MORE PHOTOS: Visit our Facebook page.
[note title=”A Poem for John” align=”center” width=”560″]
By Andy Sheffer
When pressures of momentum
Don’t make obligations sway
You stop to help your Arboretum
Or, another on the way
For solutions you seek History
Learn what matters from the past
It becomes a moral story
to seek harmony at last
When the past reveals a curve
And status quo gets too old
Complacency hits a nerve
And John steps into the fold!
Holding court with confidants
At BurgerMaster, of course!
John Wott listens to the wants
And looks for grace to endorse
In time, reason, does prevail
Stormy wind swells up fresh air
What merit does change entail?
To serve public need with care!
Regarding human kindness
John services those in need
He is one of mindfulness
Gardens are his tool indeed!
[/note]
