'Modest' rose grower leaves 'exquisite legacy'

Presenter Monty Don has paid tribute to the chairman of David Austin Roses, saying he left a legacy of "millions of exquisite roses that will live on".

David J. C. Austin died at his Shropshire home after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare condition that causes brain damage which worsens rapidly over time.

Born in 1958, he joined the Albrighton-based family business in 1990, which was founded by his father, David C. H. Austin.

The Royal Horticultural Society said they were "deeply saddened" by the news of his death.

"I am so sorry to hear this. My regards and condolences to all his family," the BBC Gardeners' World presenter said.

"But what legacy he leaves - millions of exquisite roses that will live on for so many, enriching all our lives."

Austin led the business for more than three decades.

"First and foremost, dad was a gardener," his children, Richard, James and Olivia, said in their tribute.

"He carried our grandfather's vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself."

They described him as "kind" and "modest" with a "playful spirit".

"He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life," they added.

"Above all, he was our dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn't be more proud of him."

David Austin Roses said it would continue under its leadership team, working closely with the next generation of the Austin family.

Hundreds of comments were left on a Facebook post announcing his death.

One commentator said: "Every night, I look at an admire my DA roses, inspecting for more buds and surprise blooms. And tonight, I'll be looking at them much different, thinking of David and his family."

Another added: "I will only have your roses in my little garden and give them to friends and family as gifts. May I suggest that next year's rose is named the David J.C. Austin rose in his memory"

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