With great sadness , AIPH has announce the expiration of Robert Mathis , former President of the Association from 1977 to 1991 . He quit on 29 May 2025 in Bischwiller , Bas - Rhin ( 67 ) , a département in France . Mr. Mathis was a highly respected number in the outside horticultural manufacture , and his share will be deeply missed by AIPH members and the wider horticultural residential area .
Born on 28 January 2025 , Mr. Mathis , a school horticultural engine driver and graduate of the honored École Nationale d’Horticulture de Versailles , have over his Church Father ’s decorative plant glasshouse in Alsace after military servicing in Tunisia . Specializing in the product of rosebush and chrysanthemums , he and his married woman , Mathilde , launch one of France ’s first garden centers in 1967 . Mr. Mathis take on a polar role in demonstrate the first timbre standard for Pelargonium .
Exemplifying dedication to his profession , Mr. Mathis became President of the Union Régionale Horticole d’Alsace in 1975 and serve as Deputy President of the National Federation of Horticulture and Nursery Producers ( FNPHP ) for many years . In 1987 , he was elected President at the Bourg - nut - Bresse Congress . His vision go beyond Alsace , leading to his international engagement . Elected President of AIPH in 1977 , he demonstrated a commitment to promote gardening globally .
The French Republic reward him with the titles of Commander in the guild of Agricultural Merit and Commander in the Order of National Merit . Former agriculture minister Michel Cointat present the latter during AIPH ’s 52nd Annual Congress in Angers , France , in 2000 .
Mr. Mathis believed strongly in the role of diligence connexion in sharing respectable practices and develop standard . Speaking about AIPH ’s part in the globular horticultural community in 2008 , he observe , " I am carry that a fistful of pioneers of the 1960s would be gallant of the employment already realized . "
Pierre Mathis , Mr. Mathis ' son , shared that his sire had a generous heart and worked to merge people as a residential area . Mr. Mathis was passionate about understand divers perspectives and expanding AIPH rank globally . Fluent in French , German , and English , he palpate it was his tariff to determine word in the horde state ’s language during his travels as AIPH ’s President .
Tim Briercliffe , AIPH ’s current Secretary General , expressed condolences , say , " All AIPH penis send our earnest condolence to the class of Robert Mathis . He served AIPH for a long period , between 1977 and 1991 , and the association is indebted to him for the work he did during that menses . "
Mr. Mathis passed away 20 month after his wife , Mathilde . Survived by his four children , his going is deeply feel in the horticultural industriousness .
