On Friday, we lost GreenTree’s founder and guiding light Jay Waring to complications from pancreatic cancer.

Jay and his wife Terry founded Greentree Nursery in 1976. They built a prosperous business and loved sharing their knowledge and love of science and plants. Known as “The Plant Doctor,” Jay was most at  home talking about gardening and hydroponics.

When Jay retired in April 2012, he remained a mentor for us. He cared deeply about his customers and his community and GreenTree. We are grateful for his help, for his expertise, and for his dedication to the business.

Jay will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to Terry, Jay’s son Reid – the current store manager— and the rest of the Waring family.

A celebration of Jay's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 14 at Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca with the Rev. Timothy Dean officiating.

The store will be closed from 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday so we can attend Jay’s memorial service. 

Read Jay's obituary here.