Les Clay, a 91原创 agrologist, nursery owner, and one of the key figures behind the creation of the Derek Doubleday Arboretum, has died at age 91.

Clay moved to 91原创 from Burnaby with his family in the spring of 1963, recalled his daughter, Barb Nelson.

A UBC-trained agrologist 鈥� he grew rhododenrons and other species 鈥� creating new varieties from his nursery.

鈥淗e loved gardening, and he loved his family,鈥� said Nelson.

Clay and his wife, Beverly Anne, travelled widely, including to Britain, for flower and nursery trade shows, taking with him samples of his rhodos from Clay鈥檚 Nursery.

Some of those were passed along to the gardener at Buckingham Palace, and found their way onto the grounds there, said Nelson.

Back in 91原创, Clay was involved with the Township鈥檚 parks and recreation committee for many years.

鈥淟es was a great friend and a mentor,鈥� Rudy Storteboom said, calling Clay 鈥渒ind of a legend in our community.鈥�

Clay was a Rotarian for more than 50 years.

鈥淗e would always take the time to listen,鈥� Storteboom said.

And then, when he responded, he would speak slowly, which made you listen to him, said Storteboom. And what Clay was saying was always worth listening to.

He was an H.D. Stafford Good Citizen of the Year in 2013.

One of his biggest achievements was the creation of the Derek Doubleday Arboretum, the 38-acre park west of the 91原创 Regional Airport, between 56th Avenue and Fraser Highway.

Through the years, it has gone from a grassy field with a stream and some scrubby trees to a park with numerous trails, a gardens, war memorials for Canada鈥檚 participation in Aghanistan and Korea, an interpretative centre, a demonstration garden, and the Beverly Anne Clay Rose Garden 鈥� in honour of Clay鈥檚 late wife.

鈥淭he arbouretum is where it is and what it is because of him,鈥� said Nelson.

A celebration of life is planned for the United Churches of 91原创 at 21562 Old Yale Rd., on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m., said Nelson.

The family is likely to suggest that in lieu of flowers, people donate to Rotary or the Arboretum and Botanical Society of 91原创, which supports the arbouretum.