Although my personal contact with Mr. Schannen was limited to a few telephone conversations, his passing is a tremendous loss to not only rhododendron enthusiasts, but also everyone with an interest in extremely high quality rare and unusual plants available through mail order. East coast gardeners especially can only hope that Rarefind Nursery continues on as his legacy.

Anyone have any biographical information?

the website has been updated

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.rarefindnursery.com/

an article in the NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/11/style/cuttings-born-of-bonsai-it-got-really-big.html

Here is a link that might be useful: http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/trenton/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=133151384

Hank was cremated and they had a service yesterday, but the staff is having a memorial at Rarefind on Saturday, October 10th.

rarefindnursery.com doesn't reflect that yet. They do have this:

RareFind Nursery grew out of Hank's passion for Rhododendron's. His focus was on growing and producing rhododendrons that would survive and thrive in the challenging eastern U.S. climate. Hank introduced plants he bred, such as his signature R.'Solidarity', now grown worldwide, R.'Hank's Mellow Yellow', Golden Globe, and Purple Elf'. He also introduced plants bred by others, such as R.'Jurassic Fantasy' and R.'Visiting Angels'.

Hank was a long time, active member of the 'rhodie'/plant community:
American Rhododendron Society (ARS) Member (Princeton Chapter since 1965)
ARS National as well as Princeton Chapter Board of Directors
Chairman of Rhododendron Research Foundation
ARS Gold and Bronze Medal recipient
Rhododendron Species Foundation Board of Directors
Member of Magnolia Society, Holly Society, and The Hardy Plant Society
An informative and entertaining speaker, often officiated as auctioneer and program chair at ARS events

Hank is survived by his wife, Virginia Schannen; three daughters, Karen Schannen, Lisa Schannen and husband Howard Kohler, Dawn Schannen and husband Darren Kindred; and two cherished grandchildren--Lexi and Josie Kindred.

I just returned from Maine and found this message in my email:

Rhodyman,

It is our understanding that you have posted a notice saying "there will be a memorial for Hank Schannen at the nursery on Oct 10 - this Saturday". I do not know where you got that information but it is incorrect and we would appreciate it if you would now include a note stating that information is not correct. No memorial has been scheduled at the nursery and when we do we will publish the date and time.

Should you have any questions, please email or call us at 732-833-0613.

Thanks,

Irv Paulus