RUTH SAWYER (nee EZRA)


June 13th 1919 - August 21st 2007


Our President Ruth Sawyer passed away on August 2 1 st 2007

at the age of 88.


Ruth spent her early years at Foxwarren Park, the home of

her distinguished father Alfred Ezra OBE and her mother Muriel.

Foxwarren Park was a treasure trove of avicultural delights which

of course included the last remaining specimens of the now extinct

Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea .


After Foxwarren Park was sold, Ruth moved to Chestnut

Lodge in 1956 and Raymond joined her soon afterwards. The

collection grew from humble beginnings and as more aviaries were

built the number of species grew and the collection and garden

developed into the magnificent spectacle they have become today.

Some 18 first UK breedings have been achieved and the many

societies and groups that visit the collection and garden each year

is a tribute to the excellence to be found there.


Ruth will be greatly missed by her many friends and

aviculture has lost one of its greatest practioners. Raymond is of

course going to continue with their marvellous creation and I dare

say that new species will be added as and when desired.


I know all members of our society will join me in sending our

sincere and heartfelt condolences to Raymond in his tragic loss.


Christopher Marler

Chairman

The Avicultural Society



