Douglas Dale Wilson

Douglas “Doug” Wilson, 80, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Salem Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 32 years Margaret Wilson, son Ben Wilson, step-daughters Tracie Bibler and Kellie Phillips, grandchildren Oskar and Deacon Wilson, Bethany and Justin Bibler, Kaylie Guderian, and Aaron Phillips. Preceded in death by his son Wiley Wilson.

Doug began volunteering at the Oregon Garden in 2003 and became a member of the American Conifer Society in 2005. The Oregon Gardens shared that he was “one of the Garden's most committed volunteers, regularly winning awards for "Most Hours Served". His knowledge and passion for The Oregon Garden's Conifer Garden was beyond compare. Under his careful nurturing, the Conifer Garden became and is still one of the best in the country.” He was always excited to show off his “Witches Brooms” with anyone who was interested, and especially the horticulture staff at the gardens.

In addition to his work at the gardens, he enjoyed spending time on the front porch with his wife, doing his daily crossword puzzle, talking about his grandchildren, sharing updates about his beloved Shohei Ohtani, and cheering for the San Francisco Giants. He showed love by sharing what he knew about your interests (or at least what he thought you were interested in), providing tips and tricks about unique foods he thought you might like to try, and sending play-by-plays of random sports teams.

Doug made his career as an aircraft mechanic and retired in 2001 from United Airlines. As a member of the US Air Force he proudly served his country being stationed in both Germany and Japan in the 1960s.

The family is planning a small memorial to be conducted in December.

Here is a collection of articles and interviews about Doug and his impact in the world of conifers:

- https://www2.conifersociety.org/blogpost/2082607/489783/Container-Gardening-with-Conifers

- https://www2.conifersociety.org/blogpost/2082607/490098/The-ACS-gets-a-Shout-Out-from-the-American-Horticultural-Society

- https://cdn.ymaws.com/www2.conifersociety.org/resource/resmgr/latest-news/40th-anniversary/conifer_quarterly_2013_artic.pdf

- https://youtu.be/q5LYTR8OO20?si=HcWuCkl8Mpthcu7Z

- https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/sequoia-sempervirens-yurok-prince