Les Connell

Year of Induction:  2010

Washington State Dahlia Society nominates Les Connell for inclusion into the Federation Hall of Fame. Les was one of the organizers of the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers and was the first President of this organization. Les led the Federation for over 20 years, almost continuously until the fall of 2007. He also was one of the instructors for the Senior Judging class for over 20 years until the summer of 2009.

Les is known worldwide for his many contributions to the dahlia world. He has originated hundreds of new dahlias, since his first introduction, Koinonia in 1974. He is well known as a dahlia grower in the United States as well as other countries, particularly England, Australia and New Zealand. He has been instrumental in obtaining new originations from those countries as well as sending US originations to them.

Les has been President of the Washington State Dahlia Society for many years and has been a member of other societies in the area as well.

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