Galetta’s Rose Guy passes away

GALETTA – For 25 years Mark Dallas has been known around West  Carleton as the Rose Guy. On Nov. 30, friends and family will remember Dallas was indeed the Rose Guy, but also so much more.

Dallas passed away on Oct. 26 at the age 67.

Born in Calgary on Feb. 22, 1951, Dallas settled in the village of Galetta, on an abandoned 50-acre gravel pit. Dallas naturalized the acreage by planting more than 40,000 trees and providing sanctuary for flora and fauna, both wild and domestic.

He established a nursery overlooking the Mississippi River specializing in hardy roses. The business has operated for more than 25 years. 
Dallas obtained a Ph.D. in research psychology at the University of Waterloo, held a post-doctoral fellowship with the NRC, worked at Bell-Northern Research and as an independent research consultant, and taught psychology at the University of Ottawa. Dallas died in the company of his wife and sister.
Dallas is survived by his spouse, Sue Husolo; his sister Laura Dallas and her children Melinda, Nathan and Noel (Rosemary Parker) Platte; his brothers Graham Dallas (Sue Hum) (Vancouver) and Owen Dallas (San Francisco). He leaves behind a small group of dear friends. He will be remembered by many garden keepers. 
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 30 at Julian of Norwich Anglican Church, 7 Rossland Ave, Nepean. All are welcome. No flowers please. Donations in memorium to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.