Remembrance of Don Ferrin

In 2010 Don was elected to serve in the first Governing Board of the Citrus Network of the National Clean Plant Network. The National Clean Plant Network for Citrus is a body of researchers, extension specialists, state regulatory personnel and industry stakeholders from California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Alabama, Louisiana and Hawaii that formed the NCPN Citrus, a part of the National Clean Plant Network. Don was one of the major collaborators representing the Louisiana Citrus Center.
Don was a passionate plant pathologist conducting research on the etiology, ecology, epidemiology and management of fungal diseases of ornamental crops, and the epidemiology of plant diseases. While with the LSU AgCenter, Don was a major contributor to extension programming that assisted thousands of agricultural industry personnel and homeowners in the state. He was well regarded for consistently delivering outstanding extension and research materials to this diverse clientele. Don’s outstanding publications and presentations catapulted him into being recognized as one of the leading authorities on disease management in the state as well as the Southeastern region.
Most importantly, Don was intelligent, kind, patient and always curious about plant diseases. He was innovative, creative, had a splendid subtle wit and was an absolute pleasure to be around both academically and socially. Don was not just an intellectual; he was also always interested in the well-being of others. He was one of the great ‘nice guys’ who worked hard, supported his co-workers, his undergraduate and graduate students, and contributed greatly to the science of plant pathology. His depth of knowledge and clear thoughts about how things worked will be truly missed. Since Don came from a family of teachers, he, too, truly enjoyed all aspects of teaching. As a reflection of his interests and commitments to teaching and research, Don’s wife, Pam, has helped to create the Don Ferrin Teaching Student Fund in the PPCP Department.