TRIBUTES have been paid to much-loved ex-Homerton gardener Sam Agnew, who was described as "most of all a people-person."
Sam, an Ulsterman who loved sailing, passed away on Monday, aged 84, after a short illness.
The former head gardener was a popular character during his twelve years at Homerton, before retiring in 2006.
He often visited our college in his retirement, and kept friendships going.
Sam is credited with creating the wildflower meadow in our grounds, which has at least four species of orchids.
Helen Andre Cripps, Head Gardener, said: "I didn’t know Sam well, only meeting him in the gardens at Homerton on a couple of occasions. I was a little nervous the first time I was introduced to him, as I was aware of how well-liked and admired he had been, and I knew of all the wonderful work he had accomplished in Homerton’s gardens.
"To be a head gardener is such a privileged job, and I thought I may not be up to muster in Sam’s eyes, but I absolutely needn’t have worried. Sam was gentle, gracious, and generous in his praise of my efforts.
"Sam continued to visit the gardens as often as he could and sadly never managed to make the one last hoped-for visit.
"From a mutual friend, though, I heard that he constantly thought I was doing a good job of looking after his beloved gardens, which I find very humbling.
"We are keepers of this space for such a short time, but I know Sam would have deeply felt the honour, and I will hope that I will continue directing the beautiful grounds in a way that Sam would have been proud of.”
Raj Vara from the Estates department, formed a friendship with Sam after he joined Homerton in 1997, and used to go boating with him.
Raj said: "We used to jog at lunchtime, and play squash together. I last saw Sam a couple of weeks ago, and he talked about looking forward to his next visit to the college.
"He had such a love for the gardens here. He really cared for the college.
"I will miss him on a personal front."
Sam was an active member of Homerton’s Retired Senior Members club, and spent hours in his own garden, which was described as "large and lovely."
Before joining Homerton, Sam enjoyed a career in horticultural education and training in East Anglia, and was curator of the Carroll Botanical Collection at Warren Park in Newmarket, and an accomplished bowling green competitor.
He was also the founder of the Friends of the Roman Road and the Fleam Dyke countryside conservation group.
Stephen P. Tomkins, Emeritus Fellow, said Sam was a "brave and lovable man", adding: "He was most of all a 'people person' as well as a plantsman, a delightful and easy person to know. He was always positive and encouraging to others."
Our condolences Sam's family and friends.
