The UC cooperative extension weed science community learned last week that Dr. Arthur (Art) Lange passed away on June 27, 2017 in Reedley.  Art retired from UC in 1986 after a productive career as a weed science specialist and began a second career as a stone fruit farmer under the name “Honey Crisp: Tree Ripened Fruit”. 

Art held a PhD in plant physiology and spent the majority of his UCCE career in the Central Valley where he collaborated with and influenced many of his weed science colleagues around the state.  Among other honors, he was named an Honorary Member of the California Weed Science Society in 1986 and Fellow of the Western Society of Weed Science in 1977.  See attachment below for Art's 1977 bio when receiving the WSWS award.

Art is remembered for a deep enthusiasm for weed management research that he shared with his colleague and encouraged them to expand upon in their own research and extension programs.  He was also very committed to sharing up-to-date results with his fellow weed researchers and growers via publications as well as through presentations at meetings.  Several of his colleagues recall multiple occasions in which he was observed inserting newly updated 35mm slides into his slide carousel as he walked up to make his presentation!  

Art Lange was impactful both as a scientist and as a mentor to his colleagues and had a large impact on weed science in California during his UCCE career.  A memorial was held July 14, 2017 in Kingsburg.  

The UCANR Report has a nice tribute to Art Lange's career and life HERE