David J. C. Austin dies

David J. C. Austin, chair of David Austin Roses, has died.

Austin died at his Shropshire, England, home after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare condition that causes brain damage which worsens rapidly over time.

Born in 1958, he joined the Albrighton, Shropshire-based family business in 1990, which was founded by his father, David C. H. Austin. He led the business for more than three decades.

The Royal Horticultural Society said they were "deeply saddened" by the news of his death, according to a BBC news report.

Austin's children, Richard, James and Olivia, said in a tribute:

“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 thanked everyone who cared for David and supported them during his illness.

David Austin Roses said it would continue under its leadership team, working closely with the next generation of the Austin family.

Hundreds of comments were left on a Facebook post announcing his death.

Mourners can leave a message for the family here.