Keith R. Woolliams

6

My condolences, as feelings of pain and bitterness become unbearable. It is my desire to convey a comforting thought based on the Holy Scriptures

          

  John 5:28 "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."

 

 

This passage speaks of the resurrection of our loved ones. It is not God's plan to see us suffer and die, so He extends the following invitation to us: "Come near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8)

 

Please go to the following link to obtain more information regarding the Hope expressed in this passage and again we are sorry for your loss.

 

 http://www.jw.org

I have just found out that Keith has died. I am so sad. Xxx
 

Only today I found out that Keith had passed on, after searching images of Erythrina elenae. Just now I have the good fortune to enjoy the flowers of this wonderful coral tree, almost 30 years after Keith generously shared seedlings with me in our early days of correspondence and plant trading.

I had never met or seen a photo of Keith before so the gallery here was a surprise, and a sadness to know he has gone. When I first wrote to Mr. Woolliams in the 1980s inquiring after obtaining rare tropical plants he responded with words of encouragement and high spirit. This was at a formative time for me and I will be ever grateful for that meeting by mail. Keith is one of those rare individuals who is blessed by, and motivated to help others through, his love of plants. Keith taught me much about what a plant collection is for and how it is best utilized-- that institutions, nurseries, collectors and scientists are all engaged in a mutual pursuit where the sharing of knowledge and plants is the essential mission.

Condolences and blessings to Keith's family and friends.

 

...He hired some big tall surfer out of the tour department in 1983 and I've been lucky enough to have spent the rest of my life working with rare plants in some of the best places in the world!

April 13:

Hi Angela,

... I was sorry to hear about your father passing away ...  I guess your taking care of his website is your way of coping with it, keeping his memory alive...

Best regards,

Fabs

April 11:

Hello Angela,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad...as time goes by, you always feel the love and cherish the memories.  Please accept my condolences.

Dear Akiko
Sent with loving thoughts at this sad time.

May you soon find comfort
that will ease the grief and sorrow
And may you find the strength
to help you face each new tomorrow
With caring Thoughts

I've only just heard from Divette of your sad loss. I know Keith will be sadly missed.
I am thinking of you and your family.

My very best wishes
love
Rose

I had retired from my life as a college inspector. I was invited by John Simmonds to report on the school of horticulture at Kew. When I mentioned to John that I was planning a trip to Hawaii he suggested that I should make contact with ex-Kew associates now working there. This included Keith who responded with characteristic enthusiasm and a visit to Waimea was quickly arranged. A wonderful day resulted in which both Keith and Akiko welcomed us and gave up time from their busy jobs to show Margaret and I the well-kept gardens and facilities.
Further visits to Hawaii followed and our friendship with Keith, Akiko and Angela grew (Frank was usually away on the Mainland).

For me, Keith represented all that is good and worthwhile about RBG Kew. He had developed his skills and knowledge there and above all, consolidated his great love of plants and all their diversity.
This led him to travel widely and eventually to devote his life to the care and conservation of plantlife in a precarious world where many economic and other pressures must be resisted.
His contribution, together with those whom he collaborated and inspired, adds up to an incalculable contribution to support global biodiversity and all that hangs on this for the future of man on earth.

Aloha, Keith; a hui hou, to his family: So sorry for your loss. He was a friend and inspriation in the horticulture world. I knew him and learned a lot from him during his time at Waimea BG and Arboretum. Many rare native Hawaiian plants are extant in the world today (Mahalo to Keith!) and well collected, documented rare plants from Ryukyu and the world tropics.

Me ke ALoha
Heidi

Dear Akiko,
After writing to you, now comes the sad news about Keith. He did not seem too well on you last visit to us. Words don't come easily to express at such times. The big mystery of life is impossible to grasp - especially at times like this. It was a great pleasure to have known Keith, not only s a professional guy but as a warm, friendly person. We had so much in common, destiny path etc. Frank and Angela and grand childrenare proof to you that all is worth while.

Sincere best wishes -

Love,
Stafford

The NTBG `ohana are saddened by the loss of Keith to this earth. Simply put 'he was a good man that made a difference'.

Angela,  I am very sorry to hear about your loss.  May you find comfort in the days to come.

Akiko, I'm so sorry to here the news about Keith; he was a good friend and mentor...

Dave and I are so sorry to hear about Keith our hearts and prayers go out to you and the family.

Angela, I am very sorry to hear about your father's passing. Please, accept my condolences. Reading through his memorial website, he had an extraordinary life. Remember the nice days you had with your Dad and look ahead however bleak it may look now. 
 
Please send my regards and condolences to your Mum I wish her much strength.

Where memories lead,
Our hearts will follow.

Hoping that your memories will bring you to a place of peace in your heart.

I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. He was a gifted and much loved person. I am so sorry for your loss.

Akiko,
We are so sad to hear about Keith. Try to be strong, Akiko, knowing that he has found real peace and love - and the rest of us are still hoping to find it someday. Don and I wish for you to have: Peace, Hope and Love in your heart now and always.

Love,
Don and Julie

... And may you find
strength and comfort from
friends and family during
these difficult days.

Here's to a very caring man. One thing I remember him was his love for friends, life and family. He seemed to love a celebration and tried to share tha love with me; I won't forget that as long as I live.

Much love and Aloha,
Ben