At the 2026 OAN Convention, three couples — David and Kristin VanHoose, Amethyst Hill Nursery and Hydrangeas Plus® (Aurora, Oregon); Pete and Wendy Brentano, Brentano’s Tree Farm (St. Paul, Oregon), and Jerry and Roberta Simnitt, Simnitt Nursery (Canby, Oregon) — were awarded Honorary Life memberships in the association.
The VanHooses were recognized for their 27 years of nursery ownership, as well as for Kristin’s service as OAN president in 2010–11, and their involvement in many other capacities over the years. They purchased the former Bell Family Nursery and grew it into VanHoose Enterprises, which includes the wholesale Amethyst Hill Nursery and the retail Hydrangeas Plus. They specialize in hydrangeas and have one of the largest selections in North America.
The award was presented by Wendy Brentano. “[Kristin’s term as OAN president] was defined by strong advocacy for Oregon’s nursery sector, proactive policy engagement, and a commitment to supporting both members and the recovering industry from the Great Recession,” Brentano said…