The Arboretum Foundation recently received a bequest of more than $110,000 from the estate of Alec Bayless.
A civic activist, lawyer, grape grower, and—with his wife, Ruthanna—world-traveler who lived on Mercer Island, Alec was involved at the Arboretum in the 1980s and early 1990s. He was an experienced volunteer Arboretum Guide and also led a committee in 1990 to re-write the Foundation’s bylaws.
Alec died in 1991, aged 69, after a long illness. Read his obituary in The Seattle Times.
Alec’s bequest to the Arboretum was in the form of a marital trust. Ruthanna passed away in the fall of 2020, at the age of 97, leading to the liquidation of the trust and the receipt of the bequest.
The Foundation is deeply grateful to Alec and his family for this legacy gift. The funds will be used to preserve and enhance the Arboretum’s renowned plant collections and ensure that this vital urban greenspace and community resource is sustained for future generations.
Join Our Legacy Circle: If you have designated a gift to the Arboretum Foundation in your will, please consider notifying us and joining our Legacy Circle. The Circle recognizes donors who have invested in the Arboretum through a planned gift. Benefits include invitations to select events and tours throughout the year. For more information, contact us at 206-325-4510 or giving@arboretumfoundation.org.
