We are sad to share the news that two of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s honorary trustees recently passed away, but grateful to have known them as they helped steward this organization for decades, contributing in immeasurable ways to what this garden has become.

George F. Bernardin, 83, of West Boylston, died on Feb. 18 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.

Cushing C. Bozenhard, of Shrewsbury, died on Feb. 15.

George’s unwavering belief in the virtue of our mission, and the power and beauty of our garden, gave us and our supporters the courage to grow. His support manifested itself in many ways – by serving on the board from 1983 to 1990, as Master Plan Committee Chair from 1986-1989, and as Building Committee Chair from 1990-1994; by opening his garden to our members and friends; by sharing divisions of his beloved Agapanthus and Clivia, seed/grown Nicotiana, a treasured Bayleaf, and an important Wollemia Pine; and by providing individual encouragement whenever he could. George, who served as an honorary trustee since 2005, was known by many in the greater Worcester community for his decades of dedicated service to a wide range of organizations. At the time of his death, George served as chair of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s Implementation Committee, charged with overseeing the implementation of the first phase of the organization’s new Master Plan, and as a member of the Development Committee. As a dear friend of New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, we will miss George deeply and are honored that he shared his time, wisdom, and enthusiasm with us.

Cush served as a trustee for the Worcester County Horticultural Society from 1983 to 1990 and president of the board in 1984 as it geared up for the purchase of an old farm in Boylston that would become New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in 1986. He had served as an honorary trustee since 2003. His wife, Gladys, was a trustee and honorary trustee for many years and chairperson of the Preservation Orchard Committee in the 1980s -1990s. She was responsible for the grafting of all the apple trees in New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s Harrington Orchard.  Cush was affiliated and involved with many organizations over his career, including the Worcester Executives Association, Mechanics Hall Property Committee, Memorial Hospital, Friends of Goddard Library, The Worcester Club, The Worcester Art Museum, Notre Dame Academy, the Shrewsbury Public Library.