Monty Don, the BBC Gardeners' World presenter, has paid a heartfelt tribute to David J.C. Austin, the chairman of David Austin Roses, who died at his Shropshire home at the age of 67 after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease — a rare and rapidly progressive brain condition.
Monty Don Leads Tributes
Don said Austin leaves behind a legacy of "millions of exquisite roses that will live on for so many, enriching all our lives." He added: "I am so sorry to hear this. My regards and condolences to all his family."
The rose grower and Gardeners' World had a long history of collaboration. Experts from the Shropshire-based nursery regularly featured on the show, in the magazine, and at BBC Gardeners' World Live events.
Family Pays Emotional Tribute
Born in 1958, David joined the Albrighton-based family business in 1990, which was founded by his father, David C. H. Austin. He chaired the company for the past three decades.
David's three children, Richard, James and Olivia, paid tribute to their father in an emotional statement: "First and foremost, dad was a gardener. He carried our grandfather's vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself."
They described him as "kind" and "modest" with a "playful spirit." "He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life," they added. "Above all, he was our dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn't be more proud of him."
