Background
Born near Sarnia, Ontario, Kock grew up working for the family business, Huronview Nurseries.
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Henry Kock
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After the devastating effects of Dutch elm disease on the provincial elm population, Kock created the Elm Recovery Project, collecting scions from the survivors, developing a breeding program and raising the young trees for eventual restoration of DED-tolerant elms in the wild.
Career
A graduate of the University of Guelph in 1977 with an emphasis on horticulture, he stayed connected to the university until his death. Affectionately known as "Mr. Arboretum", he was diagnosed with brain cancer in July 2004.
He finally succumbed to the disease on Christmas Day, 2005, at the age of 53.
Another notable legacy left by Kock is the Guelph Hillside Festival, which he co-founded. Celebrated every year in July at Guelph Lake, just north of the city, folk and other musical acts gather for a three-day weekend event attended by hundreds of people.
Kock was also known for his many activist activities, especially those regarding plants. He helped to organize the first Guelph Organic Conference, which has increased in popularity each year.
Additionally, Kock often travelled the province with talks and slide shows about protecting wild placing, propagating native plant species, and alternatives to garden pesticides.
Most notably, however, Kock is recognized for establishing gene banks for rare native plants, including elms. 1998 - Governor General"s Award for Forest Stewardship.
Achievements
Connections
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Born
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Died
December 25, 2005 (aged 53)
Education
Awards
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Governor General's Award
The Governor General's Awards are a collection of awards presented by the Governor General of Canada, marking distinction in a number of academic, artistic and social fields.The Governor General's Awards are a collection of awards presented by the Governor General of Canada, marking distinction in a number of academic, artistic and social fields.