<p><a name="Hector">Our</a> beloved friend &amp; comrade passed away in July of 2010. Always willing to share his vast and unique experience, &amp; his sage and sly wit,&nbsp;we will miss him dearly. There is no doubt he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him, those who had the benefit of sharing in his life-path experience, and those who grew because of the seeds he planted.</p>
<p>Hector was our resident bonsai expert. He&nbsp;was a local 'boy', having grown up in Royal Oak. While working as a Mechanical Engineer, he became an avid gardener, revitalizing the landscape around the old farmhouse he lived in. After retiring, he decided he needed something more to do in our Michigan winters. He became interested in bonsai as a hobby in 1985, but didn't get serious about it until he was inspired by several bonsai masters in 1987. He was particularly inspired by Jerry Meislik, a very talented master of the artform. Hector used the 15 years he spent living in Florida as an opportunity to learn more about the tropical trees often used in the art. Moving back to Michigan, his 'hobby' and expertise continued to grow. Talking with Hector, I always came away with a new appreciation and enthusiasm for the art of bonsai. He loved nothing better than to talk with anyone who wanted to learn more about caring for, and training their trees. Thanks to Hector, Telly's now has a broad and unique selection of stock available for everyone; from the first-time grower to the collector.</p>
<p>old tree; furrowed bark</p>
<p>all leaves must fall; feed the earth</p>
<p>where new trees may grow</p>
<p>(<em>anonymous</em> haiku)</p>