Page 34 - MNLGA Free State Winter 2024_WEB

FEATURED MEMBER (Continued)

Heather Zindash, a Certified us all look good in the field.” “He was so energetic,
Professional Horticulturist, shared
An unforgettable example of his
her experiences: “He took great pride funny, passionate, and
unique approach to education
in watching his students learn and
occurred at a pesticide conference his love for life was
succeed. He modeled dedication to
in Rockville about 20 years ago.
science and resilience while reaching contagious. He made
Alongside his colleague Michael
a goal. He was always available to
Raupp, Stanton was set to deliver a
discuss ideas and questions.” us all look good in the
lecture titled “Bad Soil.” The familiar
Stanton was also known for his riffs of George Thorogood’s “Bad field.”
vibrant personality and love of to the Bone” filled the room as the
life. His daughter, Kelly MacBride- audience settled in. To everyone’s Ed Delaha
Gill, fondly recalls annual themed surprise, Stanton and Michael made Akehurst Landscape Service
parties at their family farm, complete a grand entrance wearing black
with creative games like “golf cart leather jackets and jeans with “Bad
humor and creativity into his
jousting.” His playful antics and zest Soil” emblazoned on their backs.
teaching to captivate and inspire
for life were infectious. They confidently strode onto the
his audience at the University of
stage as the music played, setting
Ed Delaha of Akehurst Landscape Maryland.
the tone for an engaging and
Service remembered, “He was so
memorable presentation. This was Beyond his professional endeavors,
energetic, funny, passionate, and his
quintessential Stanton—infusing Stanton was wholeheartedly
love for life was contagious. He made
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34 WINTER 2024 • Free State News