Barrie Strohman
The Lily Nook Story

Richard Barrie Strohman "The Lily King" Aug 12th, 1930 - July 23rd, 2010

Richard Barrie Strohman was born in a log cabin near a little railway sighting called Hallboro. At the age of 6 years he moved to the Brookdale area. His family consisted of 2 boys, himself and brother George, sisters Jean, Sarah and Rosemary.

Upon completion of his elementary years in Brookdale and Grade 12 he graduated from the University of Manitoba Agriculture Program receiving the Governor General’s Medal. In 1960 he married Joyce Aileen Gabler and they raised three daughters; Natalie Joy, Michele Louise, Corinne Marie and one son Nigel Barrie.

 In 1963 he started his own construction company, Strohman Enterprises Ltd, building over 250 homes as well as farm buildings in the surrounding area for over 30 years.

 Remembering his mother Mary’s love for gardening and flowers his thoughts returned to earlier days, to her perennial garden and identifying the different native fruits and various wildflowers in bloom including the native Prairie lily. A dear friend Alice Moger directed his gardening interest into lilies which developed into his true passion of his favourite plant the genius lilium. Over 30 years ago he began to collect lilies, a few at a time until he had a substantial collection. At this time he started into the hybridizing of these beautiful lilies. Several lilies that he has hybridized have been named and registered with “The Royal Horticulture Society” in England with several more promising ones to be selected and continued on by his son Nigel.

He has won numerous awards and medals during his gardening years. The highlight was receiving the most prestigious Award, “The Slate McDaniels Award” for his work with lilies, presented by Dr. Wilbert Ronald on behalf of the North American Lily Society at Barrie and Joyce’s 50^th Wedding Anniversary in June.

His love of gardening and his passion for growing and hybridizing lilies led him to serve as; President of the Beautiful Plains Horticultural Society, President of the Manitoba Regional Lily Society and President of the North American Lily Society. He was also co-founder of the Neepawa Lily Festival.  Barrie generously shared his knowledge of plant material and promoted lilies through-out North America and the world and so rightfully has earned the title and will always be remembered as “The Lily King.”