A little Google homework tells us that the alphabetically endowed Richard Aaring is an attorney down in Eugene, Oregon. No doubt, there’s a growth market in defending anarchists brought up on vandalism charges, not to mention skateboarders.
But we are defined by our passions as well as by our professions, and so I found this item much more interesting, really (as a half-assed gardener myself):
From the American Rhododendron Society Rhododendron and Azalea News Vol. 7 No. 3 (one of my favorite issues, by the way.):
Chapter president Richard Aaring has faithfully served the chapter and genus Rhododendron as an enthusiastic member and in many leadership roles. As study group chairman, he developed the concept of recommended rhododendrons, a list of choice of Northwest plants organized by size, color, and other characteristics. As tours chairman for the 2001 ARS Convention, he arranged outstanding tour gardens, managed many other details, and also wrote an outstanding guide describing and giving directions to more than 20 other Oregon Gardens. More recently, Rich has served as chapter president beyond the normal term.
The chapter was most pleased to present to Rich the highest medal: the Bronze Medal.
I should have Rich drop by the Tri-Cities sometime; maybe we can talk about dead heading. From the looks of this picture, he knows what he’s doing!
I note also that Rich is a race officer with the US Sailing organization, and the sailing club advisor at South Eugene High School. As recently as 2003, he was still racing Laser Class sail boats like the one pictured below (no, that is NOT Rich or his boat, by the way):
Amazing what you can learn from Google.
SB