Philip Downs

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Tony R
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Philip Downs

Post by Tony R »

It is with sadness I have to inform you that Philip Downs passed away yesterday after a long illness. Many of you will remember Philip as BCSS Vice Chairman in the 1990s and, after emigrating to New Zealand, he was the Haworthia Society local representative from 2002 to 2015.

Our sincere condolences are sent to his wife Ansie and the family.
Tony Roberts
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Chairman, Tephrocactus Study Group
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(Gasteria, Mammillaria, small Opuntia, Cleistocactus and Sempervivum are my current special interests)
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eduart
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Re: Philip Downs

Post by eduart »

This is very sad. After coming to New Zealand Philip served as Vice President and President of CSSNZ, and between 2003 and 2008 President of the Auckland branch.

Here two photos taken three years ago, at a talk at the Auckland Branch meeting. In the picture on the screen, taken in the early sixties, is Curt Backeberg admiring plants in Philip's greenhouse.
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Philip Downs - Backeberg in his greenhouse (1960s) 2.JPG
Philip Downs - Backeberg in his greenhouse (1960s) 1.JPG
CSSNZ Auckland Branch

https://carpophyma.page.tl/
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Dot
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Re: Philip Downs

Post by Dot »

Chris and I knew Philip very well, we met him in the early 1960s when we were all students together at the Dental Hospital in Sheffield.
Philip was a member of Sheffield Branch for many years and became Chairman of the Branch for several years.
We missed him when he and Ansie emigrated to New Zealand.
Our thoughts are with Ansie and the family at this sad time.

Dorothy and Chris Minors.
Dot
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