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RareFind Nursery's Guestbook
Hank was "larger than life" in many ways, and touched countless lives through his work and interests. He was trully "the walking rhododendron encyclopedia", but I will also always remember him for his sense of humor and dedication to his friends and customers. We who were privileged to work for him appreciated his generosity, enthusiasm for plants in general and rhododendrons in particular. To say we will miss him is truly an understatement- his passing leaves a large hole in our lives that will not be filled. From: Anne Haines Location: Millstone Twp, NJ on 9/21/2009. The Nottingham Garden Club had scheduled Hank as a speaker for our next meeting. We have not heard him speak but where looking forward to a great program. Your loss is also ours as he came highly praised for his knowledge and sense of humor. Our sympathy to the RareFind family. From: Theresa Turner Location: Hamilton, NJ on 9/22/2009. I never got to meet Hank in person, but we spoke over the phone many times over the past years. He seemed like a great guy, always enthusiastic and helpful as I quizzed him about what Rhodies would do well in the Atlanta area. My sympathies to his family and employees. Thanks for Rare Finds Hank! From: James Gelin Location: Avondale Estates, GA on 9/22/2009. For some reason, I decided to look up Hank today to see how he was doing - and was saddened to read about his recent death. I used to work with Hank in the research business and he always made me laugh! I'm sure he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow Rhodie-ites. From: Diane Schrayer Linck Location: Lawrenceville, NJ on 9/22/2009. Earlier today, through the garden enthusiasts' grapevine, I had heard that Hank had passed way recently, and I just read on your website that, sadly, it was true. Hank will be remembered fondly, and missed, by many -- judging from how friendly and generous he was to a customer like me, who came by just a few times per year, I can only imagine the numbers of people whose lives he must have touched and enriched over the years. He was truly a classy guy. My sympathy for his family and everyone at Rare Find, which will continue to be my favorite nursery. From: Ingrid Daubechies Location: Princeton, NJ on 9/22/2009. Hank was an exceptional, knowledgable and generous person. He was a guiding light in the Princeton Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and world-wide. It is a great loss. We all miss him. From: Rosemary And Joe Staba Location: West Long Branch, NJ on 9/22/2009. I always looked forward to seeing Hank tooling around his signature golf cart whenever I visited Rare Finds. His passion for all plants, let alone his (and my) beloved rhododendrons will be missed. Most of my gardens are a direct result of my having known Hank and the staff at Rare Find over the years. My condolences to his wife and family and a fervent hope that his vision and labor is continued by those that surrounded him. Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine Buddha Thank you Hank. From: Ted Krzyzanowski Location: Oakhurst, NJ on 9/22/2009. I am sorry for your loss...you have my deepest sympathy. Please carry on in his name! From: Taras Zahajkewycz Location: Westfield, NJ on 9/22/2009. The Burl. Co. Master Gardeners were very sad to hear of Hank's passing. He was held in the highest regard here. I always knew he forgot more plant info than I will ever know.He spoke to our group and we went up to the nursery on tours. We send heartfelt condolences to all of you. From: Paula Uhland Location: Hainesport, NJ on 9/23/2009. No one ever treated me more like the King of England than a mere customer as Hank did when I first showed up at the nursery. "larger than life" sure, but nicer, too. From: Justin Mamis Location: Watchung, HI on 9/23/2009. As the two german shepards bounded down the nursery road towards me, Hank hollered, "They won't hurt you." I was on my knees with both arms outstretched before me to give them hugs. As we were a mass of legs, tails, arms and dirty pants, his next words were, "Are you a plant person?" I reluctantly said no, hopeing he wouldn't fire me. Twelve years later I was still there and still an animal person more than a plant person. Hank helped me through a very rough patch of my life with his kindness and support when the going got tough. He was considerate and tolerant through my rare temper tantrums and didn't let me quit. I will miss him. From: Faye Location: Jackson, NJ on 9/23/2009. I only met Hank several months ago on my first trip to the nursery. His vision, incredible nursery and wonderful staff are a testament to this special man. He made a lasting contribution to our lives. His love of beauty and nature, and his lifelong committment to share his dreams with others will surely earn him rest and eternal peace with our Creator. May God bless you, and may you rest in God's peace, Hank. From: Sean Murphy Location: Little Silver, NJ on 9/23/2009. Here's a link to a tribute to Hank, posted on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA9P5uh7bZQ Be sure to watch the whole thing! From: Rarefind Nursery Location: Jackson, NJ on 9/24/2009. I am sorry to hear about the passing of Hank. I have been corresponding with Hank over the years and enjoyed our conversations. I am most happy with the quality of the nursery stock which he provided and appreciated his knowledge of the plant world. My prayers go to Hank's family. From: Gary L. Erb Location: Downingtown, PA on 9/25/2009. I had a special bunch of plants delivered recently. They are the last major group I will place in the garden I have been building for the past year. It is perhaps the forth or fifth order I have placed with Rarefind since the early Spring. Typically, having poured over the inventory, I place a call to the nursery and Anne or Ron patiently advise me on the selections which inevitably undergo major reconsideration based on their thoughtful advice. However, most recently I phoned and said “I need some advice about Rhododendron.” The response was “Well, you must speak to Hank!” Before I could confess my lack of experience, Hank was on the line. Well aware of Hank’s accomplishments, I instantly confessed the embarrassment of my inexperience, which he immediately excused with graciousness From: Paul Cali Location: Pittsburgh, PA on 9/26/2009. and humor, only too happy to share his expertise with a complete novice. We had a delightful conversation that must have lasted thirty minutes. I think he was very pleased to discover that my modest garden had been built almost exclusively from Rarefind and Orando Pride, my local nursery. Lanny Pride, Hank explained, had been his great friend. He seemed doubly delighted (as I was) that my recent Rarefind selections included rhododendron varieties that both he and Lanny had introduced. Our only conversation concluded with a warm invitation from Hank for a personal tour of the nursery on his golf cart, an opportunity I soon began to relish. I was of course heartbroken to learn of Hank’s sudden death, which must have occurred the day after we spoke. I will forever treasure that conv From: Paul Cali Location: Pittsburgh, PA on 9/26/2009. conversation. My garden and, no doubt, hundreds of others, will be a constant reminder of his generous spirit. From: Paul Cali Location: Pittsburgh, PA on 9/26/2009. Yes Hank, they have anchovie pizza in heaven! From: Faye Location: Jackson, NJ on 9/27/2009. I called RareFind Nursery a little over a month ago and I'm not sure if I spoke to Mr. Schannen, but something tells me I did. The gentleman was extremely helpful, giving me information on hydrangeas and detailed directions to the site. I had planned to buy them today and looked up your website again. I am sorry for your loss. From: Carolyn Kaschak Location: Bay Head, NJ on 9/27/2009. I am saddened by the passing of a big man; in body and mind. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to spend the time with Hank to learn, discuss rhododendrons, and through Hank, meet a number of the other great people for whom rhododendrons were a passion. Hank's passing leaves another void in the rhododendron growing world which will be difficult to fill. The plants we love need more advocates and activists like Hank Schannon. From: Don Whitney Location: Willowick, OH on 9/28/2009. I am so sorry to hear of Hank's passing. Like his big beautiful trees and plants, I always assumed he would be there forever. I am so glad that I found Rare Finds several years ago and my yard is full all all kinds of plants from Rare Finds including some I believe were named by Hank. My thoughts are with everyone there. From: Pam Rush Location: Wilmington, DE on 9/28/2009. My longtime search for R. 'Harold Amateis' was finally rewarded when I called Rare Find and spoke with Hank. We visited several times after, always enjoying a ride with Hank on his golf cart as we toured his woodland; I learned so much. Hank always found time for the many visitors to Rare Find. Our sincere condolences to his family and staff; he will be dearly missed. From: Kevin And Joann Smith Location: Feasterville, NY on 9/28/2009. What a tragic loss. Hank was a great plantsman and gardener who taught and inspired countless, including me, about rhododendrons. His passion and friendship will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to Hank's family. From: Tom Ranney Location: Arden, NC on 9/29/2009. What a loss this is for all of us Northeast US residents who love rhododendrons almost as much as Hank did. There was something special about him. He knew his stuff and he was willing to share. From: Jonathan Knisely Location: New Haven, CT on 9/29/2009. I am very saddened about Hanks passing. He was a great man. He was always willing to spend time with you, drive you around the property and discuss the plants that you purchased. I will have many reminders of Hank as I watch his plants grow in my garden. He will be missed. From: Marita Holzer Location: Toms River, NJ on 9/29/2009. I had the opportunity to met Hank just once. I will never forget that meeting. A gentleman and a rare find of a person. My condolences to the family and to his faithful workers...9/29/09 From: Rich Horowitz Location: Stoughton, MA on 9/29/2009. Hank's legacy resides in the memories and lives of his family, friends, and colleagues. It also resides in innumerable gardens bringing joy and pleasure to a league of fans. From: Lee Hiltzik Location: Melville, NY on 10/1/2009. Hi, Folks -- There is much dismay all round! We certainly enjoyed Hank's company on an extended tour of the nursery, when there from Michigan to purchase a load of plants a couple of Springs ago. His R. "Solidarity" remains one of the all time best Rhododendrons we have ever seen. He was indeed a vital and bouyant character, who will be missed! Chris and Elaine. From: Christopher Graham Location: Ann Arbor, MI on 10/1/2009. I was very saddened to learn of Hank's passing.It is comforting to know that the wonderful plants he bred will live on as his legacy.They will bloom and give joy well after all of us have departed this earth.It will be difficult,but please continue his work and RareFind Nursery. From: Jerome M Abeles Location: Quakertown, PA on 10/1/2009. Hank was a true prince. He always opened the nursery for us on Sundays and took the time to answer all questions, show us around, and share his knowledge of and passion for plants. All nursery proprietors -- all retailers everywhere, in fact -- could learn from such a mensch. We are very sad to learn of his passing -- on the same day our daughter was born. We'll think of him on her birthday. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him, especially his family. From: Fred Mogul Location: Brooklyn, NY on 10/1/2009. I was saddened to learn of Hank's passing. While I only spoke to Hank once on the phone, I was impressed by his personal sincerity and his passion for rhododendrons. The Learning Garden in York County VA will miss him. God Bless his family. jr From: Joseph Ranalli Location: Yorktown, VA on 10/2/2009. My deepest sympathy to the Schannen Family and Rare Fine Nursery staff. I was fortuntate to have visited the nursery after an American Conifer Society Meeting held in Philadelphia a few years ago. Mr. Shannen developed a great nursery and it is my favorite place to shop on-line for Rhoddies and Azaleas. From: Nancy Location: Stow, OH on 10/4/2009. I am grateful to have met Hank just a few days before he passed. It was my first time to the nursery and I was taken with his vision for creating a business from his passion and for sharing his sage advice so willingly, even to the most novice gardener. I am saddened to hear it was my first and last time connecting with him, but as I'm a believer in the spirit living on, I look at my Rhodi's and think of him. Thoughts and prayers with his family. From: Sara Nichols Eisenstein Location: Maplewood, Nj, NJ on 10/4/2009. This is very sad news. My deepest sympathy to Hank's family, friends and coworkers. I will always remember riding around the nursery in Hank's golf cart trying to hunt down some plants and walking the woods in May amid his beautiful gardens. From: Loretta Terraneo Location: Pequannock, NJ on 10/7/2009. I will miss Hank, and our annual golf cart rides around the nursery. His passion for plants has resulted in a wonderful legacy, in the form of the nursery, the surrounding gardens, and in the beautiful cultivars he bred and named. I am so saddened by his death. From: Pam Ruch Location: Emmaus, PA on 10/7/2009. I was fortunate to make Hank's acquaintance while visiting the nursery this summer and was looking forward to hearing him speak on Cape Cod next month. A walk through the nursery speaks to his gifts. My condolences to all. From: Mark Becker Location: Ridgewood, NJ on 10/7/2009. What an incredible loss for the world. Like a mountain, Hank had an aura of permanence. How can a mountain disappear? We can all be grateful for the time that Hank touched our lives and hope that his knowledge and warmth continue in us. From: Toni Cox & Allan Bien Location: Skillman, NJ on 10/7/2009. My grandfather founded the Caldwell Nursery in 1909, & it has been a family run business since. Of course, my grandfather and dad are gone now, but when I had the pleasure to meet Hank last year he was so wonderfully familiar to me! The older guys in this business are/were a different breed, & Hank had strong characteristics of caring and committment that you just don't see in today's world of Home Depot garden centers and the like. While it was obvious that he was a virtual encyclopedia of tree & shrub information, he was also just so incredibly genuine & caring in his demeanor. I remember asking many questions but he graciously took time to answer them all, actually taking pleasure in educating me, never becoming annoyed. My heart goes out to everyone are RareFind, and Hank's family. From: Ande Flavelle Location: Caldwell, NJ on 10/7/2009. Very sorry to hear this and wish Hank's family God'd Peace at this time and always. Hank helped me locate the Rhodo Species Foundation in WA. At the time he was on the board there. I'm still a member and will remember his rhodie help always. From: Susan James Location: Rancocas, NJ on 10/7/2009. i know you will miss hank but so will the whole plant world i am sorry to hear of his passing lee fitchett From: Lee Fitchett Location: Timonim, MD on 10/7/2009. Hank was a wonderful source of both knowledge and inspiration as well as a very funny guy. I attended several talks of his and left feeling both enlightened and entertained. He will be sorely missed. From: Peter Norris Location: Martha's Vineyard, MA on 10/7/2009. I only met Hank once; I spent a delightful couple of hours getting the full tour of Rarefind's Rhododendrons the spring before last. I'm so sorry that I won't be able to renew the aquaintancship; he was an inspiration to me in my efforts to grow Rhododendrons here at the edge of zone 3. From: Steve Young Location: Wolcott, VT on 10/7/2009. I knew Hank for at least the last 25 years. He was my father Richard Gustafson's best friend. I have many happy memories of Hank walking the garden with my dad, or eating lunch with the family. Everyone in my family will miss him a great deal, especially my mother. We like to think that Hank and my dad are sitting in Heaven together talking "rhodies". We know Rarefind was Hank's great pride and joy, and we wish you the best of luck in keeping alive his dream. From: Lisa Foulkes-arnold Location: Raleigh, NC on 10/7/2009. So very sorry to hear of Hank's death. We deeply appreciate your nursery and are glad that Hank's passion was translated into beautiful and interesting plants that bring joy to thousands of people. Myra and Mike Ryan From: Myra And Mike Ryan Location: Riverton, NJ on 10/8/2009. I am so very sorry to hear about Hank's death. Although I never met him, I always enjoyed speaking with him when I called the nursery. He was generous with his time and knowledge, and I sincerely hope that Rarefind nursery can continue. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and employees. From: Merri Morgan Location: Greenville, WV on 10/8/2009. I am very sorry to hear of Hank's passing. He was a very knowledgable and enjoyable man to be with. I especially enjoyed the tours on the golf cart. My sympathies to all. He will be greatly missed. From: Elaine Manion Location: Jackson, NJ on 10/8/2009. this is a new address, former address in southfield mi. I met Hank personally only once but we shared a love of rhododendrons, magnolias and plants generally. He will be sorely missed. From: Michael R. Lehmann Location: Siler City, NC on 10/9/2009. Hank was a rare find himself. He gave me lots of valuable advice. I'll miss him. From: Agnes Holst Location: Harleysville, PA on 10/12/2009. Hank was a rare find himself. He gave me lots of valuable advice. I'll miss him. From: Agnes Holst Location: Harleysville, PA on 10/12/2009. I met Mr. Schannen only a few times but he patiently and generously took me around and showed me what's what at the nursery. Not much I can say will lessen his family's sorrow but my life is the richer for having met him, however briefly. Mark From: Mark Pochaw Location: Chester, NY on 10/12/2009. We have lost a truly great and respected plantsman. I recently became a customer of Rarefind Nursery, and regret that I didn't have the opportunity to meet Hank. From: Anne Guelker Location: Winona, MO on 10/13/2009. Hi I am so sorry to hear about Hank. Andrew and I were unable to come to the nursery during the week on a long journey from Boston to our home in Virginia. We called and he said he would meet us on a Sunday morning on our way home. Not only did he do that but he also gave us a wonderful journey through the nursery on his golf cart with Hank as our tour guide. He made us feel as if he had all the time in the world and were not intruding on his day off. Unforgettable, and we are richer for knowing him. Please send our condolenses to his family and all of you who miss him as employer, mentor and friend. Thanks and see you soon Fran Boninti From: Fran And Andrew Boninti Location: Charlottesville, VA on 10/16/2009. I was very sorry to hear that Hank had passed away. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet him and tour his lovely garden. He and the staff were very helpful to me and I'll miss seeing him on future visits. From: Libby Truitt Location: Mauricetown, NJ on 10/22/2009. I was privileged to meet Hank at the Metro Hort Group's Plant-O-Rama at the BBG. He was the consumate plantsman, and his passion for plants and gardening was infectious, as was his humor. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends, and my hopes that his legacy will live on in the next generation of gardeners. From: Jim Location: Freeman, NY on 10/24/2009. No one knew more than Hank about exactly what conditions each rhododendron needed to flourish here in the northeast. He was a true connoisseur of color and form, and he was the ultimate resource on identification, siting, propagation, growth rate, foliage shape and color, which plant could take more cold or heat, more sun or shade, which needed a slope, which was fragrant, which had fall color, which grew tall or wide, which needed to be shaped when young, who were its parents, where were its offspring; the more I reflect on the breadth and depth of his vast store of knowledge and experience, the more I feel its loss to the world of rhododendron collectors. There was no place I looked forward to more each spring than visiting the display gardens and touching base with Hank. Solidarity. From: A.w.cafarelli Many thoughts and prayers to the family and staff of Rare Find. As you go thru this difficult time, know that you have touched many customers and that we support the future of Rare Find. My patients and family members at Magee Rehab love the pitcher plants and venus flytraps. Their giggles in both young and old, just make my day! From: Jeannette Morrissey Location: Haddonfield, NJ on 10/29/2009. Sadden to hear we lost Hank ,his catalog has given me insight to the man and I am so glad I got Soladarity last year I think of he and his mother when I pass it every day. From: Peter Shea Location: New Boston, NH on 11/3/2009. The rhododendron world has suffered a great loss with the death of Hank Schannon. his Rare Find Nursery was the Mecca for not just Rhododendron enthuasts but for any rare plants. I hope that whoever has control of the Nursery in his estste will continue to keep the nursery open. From: Dr Ar Fitzburgh Location: Caldwell, NJ on 11/3/2009. When I first visited the nursery in June 2009, Hank took me on a golf-cart tour of his incredible rhododendron collection. I was amazed by his willingness to spend so much time sharing his knowledge with a first-time customer, and will always be grateful for his generosity. I'm so sad that he's gone. From: Mary Beth Jones Location: Middletown, NJ on 11/4/2009. I am stunned to read of Hank's passing. What a loss for all of us! My husband and I met him for the first time on September 8th, less than a week before he died. We were returning from several days at the US Open tennis happening in New York and had arranged to load up our car with plants on the drive home to Va. We were a bit dazed by the impressive collection of rhodies and bumbling around trying to find what we thought we wanted. He zoomed down on the hill on that golf cart and rescued us from our confusion - kindly and graciously. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the plants made our visit memorable. We will miss him and think of him as our plants bloom this spring. diane bates From: Diane Bates Location: Fairfax Station, VA on 11/4/2009. It was a pure joy to know Hank. Through the years he's been a helpful and very kind resource for our landscape challenges. But so much more, Hank's unabashed love for his pursuit was infectious. He was a one-of-a-kind and he will be missed. Our sincere sympathies to the staff of Rare Find Nursery, his family and friends. From: Susan Galka Location: Wyncote, PA on 11/10/2009. I'd never met Hank, but was referred to him by one of the botanists at NYBG. So I emailed him re some spectacular rhodies I'd seen in Scotland. He answered with such friendly, funny comments ["I've killed 5 or 6 of those - r.souliei-"] that I was enchanted. T hen a speaking event he was to give was cancelled b/o weather. Then I visited Rarefind, but he'd just gone out to lunch. I was really looking forward to meeting him on the next visit, and felt bereft when I heard of his death. I hope his family and colleagues are recuperating from the loss. From: Joanna Chapin Md Location: New York, NY on 11/11/2009. I met Hank when I moved to the Princeton 6 years ago and was finishing the landscaping of my house. I knewof Rare Find and visited immediately. I had the obligatory tour in the golf cart while we talked about plants, soil in Princeton and so much else. Over the years, I have toured in the cart 3-4 times, but it is fitting that the last was in August while I was picking plants for my daughter's garden in Hopewell. Again, Hank's knowledge was invaluable, and his interest in spending time with you so that you had the right specimens. I picked up my order in early September and Hank helped me back out of the loading area with a last wave. He will be missed. From: M. Location: Blair, NJ on 11/12/2009. I know that you feel like you are functioning with one arm missing but you will be o.k. I have been there. Lois From: Lois Wilson Location: Joiner, AR on 11/19/2009. I am so sorry to hear of Hank's death. I not only bought from Rare Find, but because I am known nationally he was delighted to have me shop there. I felt like a friend more than a customer. I would get a ride through the nursery and he liked to show me all of his "new"acquisitions". He took great delight in showing things that stumped me. The man was never a stranger,but he was an instant friend.All of us in the green industry will miss him.Sorry for your loss. From: Stephanie Cohen Location: Collegeville, PA on 11/19/2009. I live in North Arlington and have driven down to Jackson, NJ several times this summer / fall to buy RARE Items I can only purchase from you, as far as i know. I am committed to Xeriscape, natural trees/plants and when possible cultivating endangered species. I will continue to drive down to your site to purchase more items when the Spring comes again. May Hank rest in peace. Please keep it up his legacy. From: Sam Cintron Location: North Arlington, NJ on 11/20/2009. |