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They call him in Israel "the avocado great scientist." |
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In the memory of Bob Bergh August 19, 2021 Dear Gwen, my step mother, my Canadian mother, I love you. Gwen, you were always together, Bob and Gwen. A couple of wonderful people, kind, noble and giving. Always helping and contributing. In Jan. 1989 I sent a short letter to Dr. Bergh, asking if I could attend his laboratory in UCR, to complete my postdoc training. Since Dr. Bergh was (and still is…) very famous in Israel as "the avocado man" – "the Avocado great scientist!". This short letter (maybe written in poor English) led to a soul and full courageous friendship with Gwen and Bob. 30 years of friendship!! Bob was open to hear all my questions. He shared with me his avocado-related knowledge. What's more, I could open my heart to Bob and share the problems I had at that time, as a mother of 3 teenagers. Bob used to solve problems by using sense of Humor. Bob loved the Land of Israel very much and had a great knowledge of the Bible. He, as a Christian, and me as a Jew, could have conversations about the moral stories of the Bible which are relevant to our days. Bob was open minded to the differences between people. He met with many students from around the world and had a lot of of sympathy to the different cultures. He was a great lecturer and teacher at the University And most of all –he had a great personality with a great sense of humor!! I was lucky to get to know Bob, to learn a lot from him. The inspiration I got from Bob went with me all my life. I loved Bob and Gwen with all my heart. I will remember Bob, and I will keep loving Gwen. A lot of people still need Gwen's touch. Miriam Silberstein (Israel) |
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He was always ready to help
We learned today that Dr B O (Bob) Bergh passed away in July in Riverside, California. Bob was prominent in the avocado world, involved in developing new varieties including Gwen (his wife’s name), Esther, Whitsell, and GEM. Bob and Gwen visited us about 1982, and we have remained in touch over the years. Often just exchanging cards and letters at Christmas, but visiting and staying with the Berghs when we holidayed in the US – our most recent visit was 2017. Bob was my “invisible” mentor in the development of our new Avogrey® avocado varieties. It was his stated view/opinion that Sharwil was the best quality avocado variety; so Sharwil was the starting point in our programme which has resulted in Avogrey Avocados' Eclipse, GreyStar, and Titan varieties. Bob, and his loving wife Gwen, are remembered as part of The Avogrey Story - http://avogrey.co.nz/About.aspx A lovely man, humble with a wicked sense of humour. We miss him. David & Judi Grey
HE LOVED THE AVOCADO
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What is a better way to bring to you Bob Bergh as he was known around the world than to reprint here three of his many excellent works regarding avocado breeding and avocado nutrition. No interpretation is needed to explain his ideas and convictions. Reuben Hofshi
AVOCADO BREEDING AND SELECTION
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