Fond Farewells

During 2019 we were unfortunate to have to say goodbye to two well-known pioneers of the Maryland Turfgrass Industry and both were Past Presidents of the Maryland Turfgrass Council.

Charles Robert “Bob” Lynch

Charles Robert “Bob” Lynch was laid to rest September 5, 2019 at age 86. Bob was born January 8, 1933, in Baltimore, MD. After completing his education at Loyola High School and City College, Bob joined his father at the International Harvester Companyfarm equipment dealership in Glyndon.

Charles Robert “Bob” Lynch

Bob married his beloved Nancy Lee Hughes on a snowy day in January 1956. Shortly after the wedding, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and was soon given orders for Germany. Fortunately, Nancy was able to join Bob in Germany, and they were always grateful for the happy days they spent in Europe — places they would have only dreamed of otherwise.

After the International Dealership closed in 1980, Bob took a job with the Toro Company and within a year moved on to the G.L. Cornell Company in Gaithersburg. Cornel specialized in equipment for the maintenance of Golf Courses. To enhance his knowledge of the propagation of specialty grasses, Bob joined the Maryland Turfgrass Council and ultimately served as President during 1988 & 1989.

Bob left behind two sons and five cherished grandchildren and many dear friends.

Emory R. Patton

Emory R. Patton of Silver Spring went home to be with the Lord on September 17, 2019 at age 87. Emory was born November 14, 1931 and was a life-long resident of Montgomery County where he created the family business; Turf Center, Inc, a company he started with the purpose of growing and supplying quality sod to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

Emory R. Patton

Emory, a pioneer of the turfgrass business, was always looking for new ways to produce, harvest and deliver a better-quality sod to his customers. Emory was the first in MD to purchase an automated sod harvester in the late 60s, was the largest sod distributor in the metropolitan area throughout the 70s & 80s and brought new methods to Turfcote Bermudagrass into athletic fields and golf courses in the 90s.

Emory married his soulmate Pat and they enjoyed 66 years of wedded bliss before Emory’s passing. They shared life with a daughter, Diana, and a son, Larry. Emory enjoyed and loved his two grandchildren and his two great grandchildren plus numerous other family & friends.

Emory began his leadership as a U.S. Marine and went on to serve several times as King in the Colesville Lions Club. He was extremely active in his church, Christ Fellowship, and Gideons International. Emory was a charter member and served as President of both the MD Turfgrass Association and the MD Turfgrass Council 1975 & 1976 and again 1985 & 1986.

Emory helped establish the MF Certified Sod program and funding for Univ. of MD Turfgrass Research Facility at Cherry Hill, as well as the beginnings and evolution of the MD Turfgrass Conference.

Both of these great leaders and pioneers in the MD Turfgrass Industry will greatly missed.

Vernon W. Cooper

MTC Executive Director

Vernon W. Cooper, MTC Executive Director