It is with sadness, that Tulsa Area Iris Society announces the death of Fred J. Smith on Monday, January 12, 2004.
Fred joined the Tulsa Area Iris Society in 1983. He also was a member in several other iris societies in Oklahoma.
His corner-house garden, contains approximately 800 varieties of Standard Dwarf Bearded, Intermediate Bearded, Border Bearded, Miniature Tall Bearded, and Tall Bearded Irises. The garden was always open to the public to view. He loved to talk about and show off his irises to whomever would stop by his yard and visit. If you commented on a particular Iris, likely as not, he'd dig it and give it to you.
Fred was an American Iris Society accrediated Garden Judge and often with his wife Aline, judged shows in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. Fred held various offices in TAIS and was Sale Chairman for the Tulsa Area Iris Society many times. He was always available to work the sales when he was not the chairperson.
Fred was a very good friend to many of us and he will be dearly missed at our meetings, shows, and sales. Good-bye Fred, and thanks for your friendship.