Hello all,
I just found out that Allan Ensminger passed away on Wednesday and that his Memorial Service is today (Saturday June 26th) at 11 AM in Lincoln, Nebraska. Allan was 98 years old and a Life member of AIS. Allan introduced over 100 irises, and a number of them won Special Medals, including the Knowlton Medal, Hans and Jacob Sass Medal and the Cook-Douglas medal. Allan's irises also won both the President's Cup and the Cook Cup at conventions. He had many AMs awarded, and at least two were runners up for the Dykes Medal. Allan is perhaps best known for his broken color irises, including 'Batik'.
Allan also served on the AIS Board of Directors, recieved the AIS Distinguished Service Medal and the AIS Hybridizer's Medal. Allan was also an emeritus judge.
Allan was a delight to know and a mentor to many many iris people. He served as RVP of Region 21 and was a founding member of the Lincoln Iris Society. He will be greatly missed.
Gary White
Lincoln, Nebraska |