Celebrated Rose Breeder David Austin Dies After Short Illness
Image: David Austin Roses
David J. C. Austin has died at his home in Shropshire, surrounded by his family, it has been announced. He had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and incurable neurological condition.
David joined the family business in Albrighton, Shropshire, in 1990, at a time when his father, the late David C. H. Austin, was gaining wider recognition for his work breeding English Roses. He went on to lead the company for more than three decades, overseeing its growth from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name among rose lovers. Throughout his leadership, the creation of beautiful, fragrant roses remained central to the business he built.
David's children, Richard, James and Olivia, paid tribute to their father, saying: "First and foremost, Dad was a gardener. That was at the heart of who he was. He carried our grandfather's vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself. He was kind and modest, with a playful spirit, a sense of adventure and a real enjoyment of life. He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life. Above all, he was our Dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn't be more proud of him."
The Austin family has thanked everyone who cared for David and supported them throughout his illness.
David Austin Roses continues under its experienced leadership team, working closely with the next generation of the Austin family, who remain as committed as ever to serving their partners and rose lovers around the world.
David meant a great deal to many people, and those who would like to share a memory or send their condolences may leave a message for the family via the link below, which will be shared with them privately.
Image: Emily Bronte by David Austin