Planting Seeds of Memory: Joe’s Memorial Bench

Dear Friends and Family,

On the serene evening of October 22, 2023, we bid farewell to our beloved Joe Cochran, a loving father, grandfather, companion, friend, and devoted horticulturist. His departure has left an emptiness in our hearts, yet his memory blooms in every corner of the community he cherished.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Green Valley, Ohio, and spent much of his life nurturing the flora at Secrest Arboretum, where his passion for horticulture blossomed and touched the lives of many. His contributions as the Secrest Arboretum Director at The Ohio State University and his work at the Knox and Richland County Extension Offices are etched in the heart of the community. Joe's tender care for plants mirrored his nurturing love for his family and friends.

To honor Joe's enduring love for horticulture and his profound impact on the community, we aim to place a memorial bench at Secrest Arboretum. This bench will serve as a place of reflection, remembrance, and appreciation for the beauty of nature Joe held dear. It will be a tribute to a life rooted in love, care, and community.

We invite you to contribute to Joe's legacy by donating to this memorial bench. Your generous support will help us commemorate Joe’s passion and create a peaceful space for all who seek solace among the green havens he tended to.

We are grateful for any amount you can contribute, and we thank you from the depths of our hearts for helping us honor Joe's memory in a lasting and meaningful way.

With warmest gratitude,

Jonathan and Family