Every so often someone comes along and really makes a difference in an organization. That occurred in the Topeka Rose Society (TRS) on two different occasions. The first was the Fran and Dee Johnson bequeath that allows the TRS to carry out the mission of educating its members and the public on all facets of rose growing and to grow and show the best roses possible. The second occurrence involved a person named John Parks who made a difference in the Topeka Rose Society for a period exceeding twenty four years.
John Parks exemplified all that one ever could expect of an individual who has a love and a deep appreciation of the Rose. He displayed this affection for the Rose by sharing his knowledge and expertise at the local, district, and national level. He was directly responsible for the recruiting many current and past members of the Topeka Rose Society as well as the American Rose Society. He participated on the local level by being President of two different rose societies. He served as an exhibitor, as well as a judge, at numerous local and district rose shows. He was involved at the Central District level while serving as an officer, exhibitor and judge. He has authored a book, the Parks Rose Guide that was copyrighted and published through the American Rose Society in 1993 and 1994.
John Parks and his loving wife, Ruth, made a difference with the growing and sharing of 250 roses growing in their back yard located in west Topeka. The Parks’ roses could be viewed by the public at any time. If John was in the back yard tending to the roses you could expect to learn much about growing roses in a short period of time. The annual rose show sponsored by the Topeka Rose Society always could depend on a varied and large stem count because of the numerous stems John and Ruth entered in the show. John and Ruth won many first place trophies and ribbons.
John Parks made a difference by becoming involved and holding office in the following organizations:
President of the Topeka Rose Society, 1986.
Vice-President of the Topeka Rose Society, 1997.
President of the Topeka Rose Society Foundation, 2000,2001, 2002.
Consulting Rosarian, Topeka Rose Society, 1988/2006. (Emeritus)
President, Johnson County Kansas Rose Society. 1994
Treasurer, American Rose Society, Central District, 1989/1994
Central District Consulting Rosarian, 1987/2006. (Emeritus)
American Rose Society Judge, Horticulture, 1993/2006. (Emeritus)
American Rose Society Judge, Arrangements, Apprentice, 1997
American Rose Society Cyber Consulting Rosarian (one of the first in Kansas)
Editor and author of the ARS Parks Rose Guide. (1993-1994)
Indeed, John Parks set an example for all rose growers to follow. His extraordinary success in growing and showing roses is a desirable goal for all. However, he had no secrets to this success because he willingly and eagerly shared his knowledge and expertise with everyone he met. His hard work and dedication to the Topeka Rose Society, the Central District, and the American Rose Society is a model we all should follow.
