Roy Stier passes

 

Roy Stier, a 40-year member of the San Leandro Dahlia Society and founding member of the John Stowell Dahlia Society passed away on Wednesday, January 8th at the age of 94.   Roy was preceded in death by his wife Bettie, who died in April 2024.   They were married for 72 years at the time of her death and he often said that he missed her greatly.  

Roy grew up in New Jersey, where he learned how to grow dahlias from his father, Phil.  Roy grew dahlias at Casa Peralta, a historic museum and public garden in San Leandro during his many years as a SLDS member. He could be seen at Casa Peralta several times a week tending to his garden that was always a showstopper at the end of the summer. 

He loved growing large blooms. He protected his blooms with umbrellas scattered throughout the garden, which always brought visitors to stop by. One of Roy’s dahlia originations, named to honor his father Phil, is still grown at Casa Peralta.

Roy was a prolific and competitive dahlia grower, winning many awards throughout the years. He was generous with his advice, mentoring and guidance to the community.  Roy’s lasting legacy was his love and enthusiasm for growing show quality dahlias, questing for the most perfect forms.  

 

Rest in peace, dahlia friend.