Ralph Pinkus: Facebook

Ralph Pinkus: Facebook

Yesterday, via Facebook, North Haven Gardens announced that Ralph Pinkus, who founded the garden store in 1951, passed away at age 97. Pinkus was married to his wife Muriel Vivan Pinkus for 71 years.

Pinkus started the Dallas Arboretum in his role as chairman of the Parks Committee of the North Dallas chamber of commerce. As the first president of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society, he helped found the Dallas Arboretum and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Pinkus also helped found the Texas Israel Exchange and maintained a strong commitment to supporting horticultural relations with Israel.

The Facebook post says that during his career, Pinkus introduced many new plants to both Israel and Dallas and worked to encourage Dallasites to garden.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., September 3, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home.