Remembering Professor Louis Lenz

Professor Louis M. Lenz passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 91.

Prof. Louis Lenz spent his 31-year career at the University of Manitoba in the Department of Plant Science, working in the area of Landscape Horticulture, before retiring in 1995.

Louis’ research was in the area of ornamental breeding and he released cultivars of Potentilla which are still popular today (Pink Beauty and Mango Tango). He trained many graduate students and served on many graduate student committees. Louis also provided valuable outreach in the area of ornamentals, offering evening courses and certificate and workshops to the home gardeners and other interested groups. He had an extensive catalogue of slides of ornamental materials for utilization in Manitoba which were a highlight of his course offerings.

Louis taught Ornamental Plant Materials and was a wealth of knowledge in that area for materials adapted to Manitoba. In recognition to his contributions to ornamental horticulture in Manitoba, Louis was presented with an Honorary Life Membership in the Canadian Society of Horticultural Science in 2000. In retirement he continued to be active in horticulture.

As per Louis’ wishes, cremation has taken place with his ashes to be scattered and no formal service will be held.