The National Turfgrass Research Foundation extends our heartfelt condolences to the Hutcheson family on the passing of Bob Hutcheson, a remarkable Huntsville businessman, philanthropist, outdoorsman and community champion, just one month shy of his 100th birthday.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Bob’s passing following our NTRF Annual Fundraising Golf Classic. The Hutcheson team was with us at the tournament, and we took a moment to pause, remember and reflect on Bob and his remarkable legacy.

His lifelong commitment to Huntsville, his generosity to healthcare and his contributions to the community have left an enduring impact. His passion for the outdoors also continued throughout his life, including earning a Guinness World Record at age 92 as the world’s oldest male water skier.

The Hutcheson name is well known and respected within the turfgrass and golf community, and we are grateful for the continued support and involvement of the Hutcheson team.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Hutcheson family, their team and all those who knew Bob.

His legacy will continue to inspire.

The National Turfgrass Research Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Morton—a respected colleague, generous supporter, and passionate advocate for the turfgrass community.

Alan served as Superintendent at Club de Golf Valleyfield in Quebec and was a dedicated board member of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association. He cared deeply about the game of golf and the landscapes that support it, taking pride in the day-to-day stewardship that brings courses to life.

Alan’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to advancing the turfgrass industry left a lasting impact on colleagues across the country.

We are honoured that Alan’s family chose NTRF as an organization to receive donations made in his memory. These contributions will support vital turfgrass research and help strengthen the industry Alan cared so deeply about.

Our thoughts are with his wife, family, friends, and colleagues. Alan’s generosity of spirit and lifelong dedication to our industry will not be forgotten.

Long-time industry leader Dennis Pellrene has chosen to support the National Turfgrass Research Foundation (NTRF) through a meaningful stock transfer donation—reflecting both gratitude and forward thinking.

Born in 1941, Dennis overcame childhood polio and began his 46-year career fogging mosquitoes at Camrose Golf Course in 1960.

His career included stints at St. Catharines Country Club and Erie Downs Golf Club, followed by more than a decade at Glen Abbey Golf Club, where he grew a Jack Nicklaus design and hosted four Canadian Opens. He later worked at Scarboro Golf and Country Club, maintaining a classic Tillinghast course, and capped his career at Capilano Golf and Country Club, where he was named Superintendent of the Year by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association in 1999.

Now 84 and living in BC, this Master Superintendent Emeritus wanted to give back to the industry that shaped his life. He chose a generous stock transfer donation, which not only supports turfgrass research, but can also offer unique tax advantages for donors.

Dennis' generosity highlights how creative giving can make a lasting impact and help ensure a strong future for turfgrass research and the industry across Canada.