Magazine - Turf Industry Mourns Rod Riley

By Rob Jenkins in General News on 5th Dec 2008 20:10

The Australian turf industry lost one of its true characters this week with the passing of respected turfgrass breeder Rod Riley.

Since developing his famous couch grass in 1965, Rod became one of the most recognised faces in the turf industry. Rod was an advert supporter of the industry and often sponsored turf shows through his business Conquest Couch. Anyone who has attended one of the Australian turf shows would no doubt have bumped into cheerful Ron, he will be a big loss and sorely missed by many people. Also an avid writer Ron has had several articles published in the past.

Rod was diagnosed with motor neurone disease a year ago, he  was 71 when he passed. 

Rod was former greenkeeper at Greenlees Park Bowling Club in Sydney of which he named his first grass variety Greenlees Park Couch. It was the first strain of couchgrass breed successfully in Australia, it was a popular grass used throughout  NSW.  Rod also went on to develop Super Sport and Conquest couch. Conquest is one of the most popular couch grasses on the market today and often wins comparsion tests to other couch varieties.
 

Pitchcare sends best  wishes in this hard time to Rod's wife Maureen and all extended family and close friends. Rod's funeral will be held at Castlebrook Crematorium, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill on Monday 8 December starting at 12.30pm.

Read more articles in General News, by Rob Jenkins or from December 2008.