After a short battle with pancreatic cancer, Andy Bunker has sadly died aged 63.

An industry legend himself, especially when it came to plants.  Andy was always happy to give a view and share his opinions and knowledge, he will be missed by his family, colleagues and customers alike.  

Derek Bunker told GTN Xtra: "I worked with Andy by my side at Alton Garden Centre for 48 years. He left school at 15 and started running our warehouse, set up the garden machinery department and as a family member became plants manager.  From knowing nothing about plants he grew into the role and as well as becoming a plants buyer for the Tillington Group and latterly British Garden Centres he also became a renowned judge for RHS Plant Trials and Glee New Product Awards.

Our condolences and thoughts are with the Bunker family at this sad time.

If you would like to add your tribute to Andy please use the comment link below or e-mail trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Ian Hodgson, Editor at Large: Garden News magazine writes:

The sad news of Andy’s passing has come as a complete shock and I send my sincere condolences to his family. I will really miss his wise and often wry, good-humoured council at GLEE and at other events where we had occasion to meet. A lifetime of experience in the garden centre trade, and his passion for plants enabled him to instinctively know just what the customer wanted. You can’t teach that. A huge loss to the industry.