The board of trustees of Tyler Arboretum reported with deep sadness the passing of Executive Director Rick Colbert, 58, on Saturday, Nov. 29. Colbert was named executive director in 1991 and served the arboretum with dedication and passion for more than 23 years.
“Rick Colbert has been a wonderful inspiration to Tyler Arboretum and our community. His passion for Tyler was a driving force for all of us. He was a generous and caring person who did a great deal for his family, friends, staff and the public horticulture world,” said Board President Shipley Allinson. “He will be greatly missed, but he would want us to carry on with the mission and vision of Tyler Arboretum — and that is exactly what we will do.”
During his tenure, Colbert brought Tyler Arboretum to the precipice of a new era of growth and development. His passion, fiscal responsibility, persistence and methodical patience set the groundwork for several new endeavors that will keep Tyler at the forefront of public horticulture and a premiere destination and community resource.
“Rick was the first person to lead the Arboretum into a culture shift of being more family-oriented. His initiative and oversight created momentum for growth,” said board member Jim Flandreau. “He changed the place.”
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