Gary Couvillon, retired professor emeritus at the University of Georgia and a member of ASHS for almost 40 years, passed away 24 April 2008. Dr. Couvillon was born 15 May 1938, the oldest of nine children of Sadie and Ira Couvillon. Fluent in both Arcadian and English, Gary grew up in the Simmesport area of southern Louisiana where his parents owned a rural general store. He obtained his BS degree from Southwestern Louisiana University (1961) and his MS at Louisiana State University (1963). He was hired by the University of Georgia in 1963 and completed his PhD while on the faculty. Dr. Couvillon was named Head of the Department of Horticulture in 1986, a position he held for 12 years.
Dr. Couvillon's career in horticulture and at the University of Georgia was highlighted by major contributions to teaching, research, and administration. Teaching was of paramount importance to him and during his 42-year tenure, he taught a broad cross-section of courses (e.g., introductory horticulture, plant propagation, vegetable crops, fruit crops, plant physiology, pest control). Highly regarded as a teacher, he was considered a classical horticulturist, being exceptionally well versed in all aspects of the discipline. His teaching ability was recognized by his being the recipient of nine teaching awards, including the prestigious D.W. Brooks and L.M. Ware awards and being named a Fulbright Scholar and a NATO Fellow. Additionally, he served as faculty advisor to hundreds of undergraduates. He was advisor to the University of Georgia Horticulture Club, which was selected four times as the best university horticulture club in the United States. He served as major professor to 15 MS and 10 PhD students. His ability to communicate and his wide knowledge of horticulture made him a highly sought after consultant; he had projects in Costa Rica, Brazil, India, Paraguay, Egypt, and Japan.
Couvillon gained an international reputation for his research on the role of chilling on bud-break in fruit crops as well as research on plant propagation. His work is still being cited in the scientific literature 30 years after its publication. He was invited to give presentations of his research in a number of countries around the world. He was an original thinker, and was recognized by ASHS as a recipient of the Gourley Award for outstanding research, and was elected a Fellow of the society in 1991.
During his tenure as the Head of the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, the department became one of the best in the United States. His supportive, encouraging, non-combative, hands-off leadership style motivated the faculty. His leadership ability was also evident as delegation leader for People to People Tours to China and to the Republic of South Africa. In addition, for nine years, he served as the University of Georgia's faculty NCAA Athletics Representative.
An avid student of the Civil War and World War II, Couvillon visited many of the Civil War battlefields. His remarkable memory allowed instant recall of details on battles, commanding generals, even the names of their dogs.
Couvillon will be remembered for the tremendous number of students he has impacted, his knowledge and enthusiasm for horticulture, his keen sense of humor, his unending generosity, and as an individual who loved life and people. Contributions to his memory can be made through the T.H. McHatton Horticulture Endowment Fund, UGA Foundation, 117 Four Towers, Athens, GA 30602.
Couvillon is survived by his mother, Sadie Couvillon; wife, Nancy Couvillon, and their children, Mark, Renee, and Sam Couvillon; his daughter-in-law, Margie Moore Couvillon; two grandchildren; four brothers; and four sisters.
Darrell Sparks and Stanley KaysUniversity of Georgia Athens
