A toast

This week, the town of Wellington is saddened and diminished by the passing of two talented men in the prime of their lives.

Drew MacCandlish, whose floral designs enhanced so many County weddings, has left a legacy of inspired plantings in the threeacre Oeno Gallery sculpture garden at Huff Estates. For three seasons of the year, one can wander through the garden with a glass of wine and enjoy its exhibits, while marvelling at the landscape that Drew collaborated on from beginning to the final planting in the spring of 2011. The creative collaboration of Drew and his partner Peter transcended the floral business. I extend my deepest condolences to Peter for his bitter loss.

We suffered another body blow when Richard Karlo succumbed to cancer. I was initially in shock, since I had no knowledge of his condition. Had I taken the time, I might have deduced that Richard was not well. I should have been there for him.

A superbly talented man, whose second passion was wine, Richard was always generous with his time and knowledge, assisting other wineries and winemakers to make the best wines their vineyards could produce. One of his many legacies was a Port-style wine named for an historical County person. Another was his sublime Quintas wine, made from the five Bordeaux Varietals—so very fitting as Richard had an unlimited passion for Bordeaux. Beyond wines, the refurbished Karlo Estates tasting room should be considered a County treasure. And his construction of a traditional dry stone bridge on the property will surely secure a place of prominence in Ontario.

I said that Richard’s second passion was wine. His first was his beautiful and talented wife, Sherry Martin. Kimberly and I were fortunate to know them both in Toronto. I will always recall that booming laugh which declared that Richard and Sherry were holding court at The Fifth Supper Club. I am sure Richard would have enjoyed the verses from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam:
A book of verses underneath the bough,
A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, and thou,
Beside me singing in the wilderness,
Oh, wilderness were paradise enow!
Richard and Sherry created the paradise that is Karlo Estates.

Let us salute the memories of both these wonderful, talented men and remember their diverse and creative endeavours when we require floral arrangements or sublime wines (still or fortified) for the holiday season.