Jonathan Tate 1951-2014

As some of you reading this may be aware, Jonathan Tate - owner of Lime Cross Nursery - sadly passed away on Sunday the 6th of April. Jon or Jono (depending on how you knew him), had been fighting a very long battle with cancer. He fought incredibly hard, quite literally up until the very end.

 

He passed away in his sleep; at home with his family, including Eddie the rascal Jack Russell, who sat patiently (for once) by his master's side.

His wife Di and two daughters Vicky and Helen want to invite all who knew, loved and respected, him to his funeral on the 28th of April at 14:30 at the church in Herstmonceux, opposite to the castle. The service will be followed by refreshments back here at the nursery.

Di, Vicky and Helen want to thank everyone for their huge support throughout this very hard time. Also, as we have already been receiving many enquiries; instead of bringing flowers to the church, if people wish to, donations can be made to: The St Wilfrid’s Hospice or Macmillan Nurses, and left at Hailsham Funeral Directors, 11 Station Rd, Town Centre, Hailsham. We are sorting out the church décor, which will probably be heavily conifer based- naturally.

This is not meant as an obituary, just as a notification. It is incredibly hard to convey the feeling of loss that we are all experiencing at the moment. The nursery was virtually a field when Jon took over from his father in the early 70’s. It is now full of colour and life. He created so much life here, in his family and the acres of gardens that now prosper. All of this will continue to flourish and grow for years to come. Vicky and Helen are dedicated to following in their father and grandfather's footsteps, and are now steering the helm of the Lime Cross ship. With their mother Di, in the background and at the heart of the operation, keeping everyone on track.

Jon achieved an incredible amount, which in due course, we intend to document on this blog and in the nursery. He travelled the world, became an expert in his field, and raised a family. He was truly respected by all those who knew him, for having infinite integrity and a heart of gold. "Every man dies. Not every man really lives." W. Wallace/ Braveheart