Richard Williams
2014 Inductee
Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers Hall of Fame
Hybridization
Dick is an outstanding contributor to the dahlia world for his Skipley dahlia originations. Thirteen of
his originations were listed in the 2014 ADS Classification and Handbook of Dahlias. Dick has
disseminated 37 varieties, beginning with Skipley Road (B-IC-DP) in 1989.
Many of his introductions have been exhibited and have won higher awards since Skipley Road arrived.
Dick has won the Derrill W. Hart Medal (highest 3 average Trial Garden scores of the year) for
Skipley Fair Lady, Skipley Spot O’Gold, and Skipley Grande. He has also won the Lynn B. Dudley Medal
(highest Seedling Bench scoring) for Skipley Bonanza and Skipley Lois Jean (which also won the 2012
National Show Seedling Achievement Award with a score of 91.56).
Dick has won many dahlia show awards including best in show at the 2004
American Dahlia Society Show (hosted by the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers) for the cultivar
Embrace.
Clubs & Shows
For approximately 20 years, Dick planted and maintained the Everett train station dahlia garden as a
member of the Snohomish County Dahlia Society.
A dahlia grower for over 40 years, he has also been a senior judge for many years in the Federation and
has consistently supported and exhibited at Federation shows, entering the highest-quality blooms,
whether his originations or other cultivars.
Both Dick and Gloria have also supported the Seattle Dahlia Society in many roles. Dick has been
chairman of judges for the Seattle show for many years and a trustee for both the Seattle and the
Snohomish County societies.
As a respected dahlia expert, he has routinely contributed educational programs for fellow members of
local dahlia societies and offered mentoring for novice growers.
We are pleased to nominate Dick Williams to the Federation Hall of Fame.