Dave with Dean Hara
Celebrating Dave Barnett
Frank Reece and Dave
By Anna Moir Grants & Communications Manager
O n June 24 th , family , friends , and colleagues gathered to honor Dave Barnett ’ s retirement at a reception hosted by the Trustees of Mount Auburn Cemetery . Held fittingly in Asa Gray Garden ( renovated in 2018 under Dave ’ s leadership , and one of his favorite places in the Cemetery ), it was a joyful celebration of his impact not only on Mount Auburn but on the wider cemetery and horticulture fields as well .
With Board Chair Pat Jacoby as emcee , the program featured both personal and professional tributes . Dave ’ s children , Marie and Jake Barnett , reflected on their father ’ s influence upon their own lives and careers , while horticultural colleague Wayne Mezitt spoke of the high regard in which Dave is held in their shared field . Trustee Frank Reece presented a word cloud artfully transformed into a tree print , based on a survey of words that board members associate with Dave ( ranging from “ trees ” and “ sustainability ” to “ smiles ,” “ down-to-earth ,” “ committed ,” and “ kind ”). Dean Hara , Chair-Elect of the Board , announced the dedication of the copper beech tree ( Fagus sylvatica purpurea ) near the Cemetery ’ s entrance in Dave ’ s honor . Finally , Jacoby shared a resolution naming Dave as President & CEO Emeritus , effective upon his retirement on September 1 st .
Dave and his extended family
Friends toast Dave
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Dave and Pat Jacoby