I just got the sad news from Andrew Armstrong about the death of his father, Rod Armstrong, this morning.
Rod had battled valiantly against lung cancer, but last spring developed leukemia also. Andrew says
“I wanted to let you know that my dad passed away this morning after 7 weeks in the hospital battling leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving family–my mom Kathy, my sister Selena, and me. He went peacefully.”
“Please let the entire Daffodil family knows, as we all know how important the ADS and everyone in it was to
him.”
Rod served two terms as treasurer, and was presently a director at large. He was the middle one of a three-generation ADS family.
Andrew will let me know when the plans are finalized. There will be a memorial service at their church in Dallas next weekend, and then “sometime in April,” another observance back at the farm in Covington, VA,
which Rod always considered home ground, no matter how long he was away.
We will miss him greatly.
Loyce McKenzie
I am devastated by this news and so very, very sad.
Jaydee Atkins Ager
Sent from my iPhone
I can only echo Jaydee’s comments. Rod was one of the good guys, and will certainly be missed.
Mary Lou
Proud to have known him and always appreciated his blooms grown in Virginia in area shows…..he really was proud of his home in Covington, VA. We will miss him. Glenna Graves
Rod will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family and all his ADS friends who will also miss his presence.
Rod was one of the good guys. I met him while taking ADS Judging School II & III in Texas a long time ago. I always greeted him as a friend and was greeted as a friend when we met at the various shows since that time.
clay
It is always saddens me to learn of the death of a daffodil friend. Especially Rod Armstrong has done so much for the ADS. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Rod will be missed by many.
Ceci Brown, Virginia
Rod was a real gentleman who always put the ADS first and we will miss not only his wise counsel but also his cheerful demeanor and his love for our favorite flower. Our deepest sympathy to Kathy, Andrew and Selena. Rod was a good man!
It’s so very sad to hear of Rod’s passing. Such a great representative of the daffodil world. You could always count on Rod for anything that needed done. Just a wonderful person overall. I along with all others will truly miss Rod at shows and conventions nationwide. Conventions and shows somehow just won’t seem the same without Rod being there in person but he will always be there in our heart and minds. My deepest sympathy for his family as they go through this sad, sad time.
My heart is broken, always considered Rod and his family special friends. The ADS has lost a Champion and a true Southern Gentleman. My deepest sympathy to Kathy, Andrew and Selena, prayers for you in this time of need. Rest in Peace my friend you have suffered enough; look forward to seeing you on the other side.
Rod was a friend to all of us – and truly a pillar of the ADS.
Sorry to hear about Rod. He was a dedicated member of ADS. Was fortunate to visit his daffodil plantings in VA one year on way home from a convention. Also remember his parents who were also convention goers. Think Father enjoyed the companionship at meetings more than dafs.
Naomi
I have a photo of Rod and I in my office; he is presenting me with the Silver Medal; we are both bawling. Rod had told me his sisters were going to be at the dinner that night and he would like for me to meet them, we were in Richmond VA, he sat me down next to him and we proceeded to have a lovely dinner. His sisters were charming enjoyed their company very much.
Since he was President he had to get up on stage to do his thing and when it came time to present the Silver Medal he said a few words, choked up, said “Oh hell Phyllis get up here” so I did. Now most honorees get a nice speech about what they have done for the ADS etc. I never got that just a good cry with Rod. Later in the Journal I read what I suppose he was planning on saying; never knew for sure.
A few years later again fittingly in VA I was sitting with Rod and Kathy for dinner when Rod who was now no longer on the committee to choose the honoree and could now be honored was awarded the Silver Medal; don’t know who was most proud.
As Naomi mentioned the year he won the Fould’s Medal we stopped by the farm in VA on the way back to Ohio to see his plantings. Doubt there are more well tended daffodils with a better view anywhere.
His plantings in TX are the same all mapped out and so beautiful. No wonder he won so many ADS awards.
I don’t post much, but just had to say how much I will miss him. Prayers sent.
I am so sorry to hear this. I had not known Rod as long as many but I liked and respected him, learned a great deal from him about judging, and always enjoyed seeing him at Virginia and national shows. What a loss!
Rod’s passing is a deep loss for the Southern Region. He was so kind and
pleasant in all regards. Annette Parker Kahn
Rod was part of the strong backbone of the ADS long before I joined and remained so until his illness took over. He was a guiding hand and good counsel, as well as a great historical source. When he became aware that our local club needed bulbs for our sale, he sent a box from Virginia. He is missed by many who knew him and indebted by many who didn’t.