Richard Lindquist passes away

OHP and the horticulture industry lost an industry giant in September 2024 when Richard Lindquist passed away at his home in Montana, surrounded by his family.

Link, as he was known, was a preeminent professor of entomology at The Ohio State University, with expertise on topics such as efficient, science-based methods of pesticide application and use of beneficial insects.

During his 30-plus years at The Ohio State University, he conducted his research at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio.

In 2001, Lindquist retired from academia and joined OHP as senior technical manager, working in the role until his retirement in 2011.

"His dry sense of humor, objectivity and love of 'Far Side' comics made him an in-demand speaker at many industry meetings and events," OHP said in a statement. "During his 10 years at OHP, Link continued to travel the country consulting with growers on IPM practices, all the while charming his audience with his unique sense of humor."

While at OHP, Lindquist and wife Linda moved west to Montana in 2005, "where he learned the sun does shine in December, January and February. If you knew Link, you knew he was not a fan of the gray of Wooster in winter," the statement reads.

"They enjoyed hiking, cooking, golfing, traveling, attending shows at the Ellen, listening to lectures at Montana State University and enjoying the beauty of Montana," the statement reads. "Before traveling, Link would study languages of the country he was visiting. He learned Spanish, French, Italian and Swedish. With all his retirement activities, Link did not spend much time reminiscing, always choosing to look forward to the next adventure."

After growing up near the Twin Cities, he earned his undergraduate degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, and his master's degree and Ph.D. in entomology from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he met and married his wife Linda and started a family.

He is survived by his wife Linda, two brothers, two sons and two grandchildren.  

Donations can be made in his memory to Secrest Arboretum, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691.