In Memoriam
We honor the memory of our beloved Richland County Master Gardeners Association members who have passed. They had a passion for gardening, a drive for learning, and a commitment to sharing their knowledge with our community.
Bob Coefield
Class of 2012
November 6, 1938 - September 25, 2020.
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Quite frequently, you could find Bob working at the Ask-a-Master Gardener tent at the Sandhill Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons between May and November.
Amelia Cotty
Class of 1996
March 16, 1947 - December 12, 2021
Awards: Volunteer of the Year 2011, Lifetime Achievement 2020
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Amelia served as President-elect, President, and Past President of RCMGA from 2009-2012, was a Columbia Green representative, was chair of the Membership Committee, Scholarship Committee, and Fall Festival Project, and as Director for the Carolina Children’s Garden served for many years. She also served as one of the RCMGA representatives to the South Carolina Midlands Master Gardener Association (SCMMGA).
Bartow Bochette Gilbert, Jr.
July 5, 1947 - April 7, 2024
Bartow was well known as a Shady Lane gardener, was a Master Gardener, and was so thankful for his young neighbor "share croppers," who helped grow and maintain his garden.
Rebecca "Becky" Wyker Hawksley
December 17, 1940 – December 5, 2023
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Becky loved volunteering at Harvest Hope, she was a Master Gardener and worked at the Clemson Extension. For many years she helped with the yearly plant sales for the Master Gardeners and she made many lifelong friends in the process of helping others.
Bryce Haywood
Class of 2009
September 5, 1931 - August 15, 2021
Awards: Volunteer of the Year 2020; Golden Trowel 2016; Lifetime Achievement 2020
Leif Erik Maseng
August 17, 1924 - July 1, 2021
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Leif was a WWII vet, and a registered professional engineer and a pioneer in designing and building America's interstate highway system, as well as transportation systems around the world. He was a Clemson Certified Master Gardener