CelebriTree Program (2024)

Black Cherry is a native tree occasionally found in the forest around Ottawa, but almost never planted in the city. It has short stalks of small white flowers that turn into red-black berrylike fruit. On mature trees, the bark breaks into distinctive square sections. The rich reddish brown wood of this tree is highly valued for use in cabinetry. The tree can grow to 15 metres or so. This tree is located next to a large rock, near the intersection of the lowland path with a path going into the woodland.

Celebrating David Oliver Sewell

February 6, 1940 – April 3, 2020

An avid gardener, David lived for more than two decades in Washington DC, where every year he relished springtime and the city’s spectacular display of cherry blossoms. During his years in Ottawa, David loved to visit the arboretum and the gardens of the experimental farm. For this reason, his family has chosen the Black Cherry tree in his memory.

Born in Timaru, New Zealand, David earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Zealand, a Masters in Economics from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University in the United States of America.

In Canada, David was a professor at Queen’s University, followed by executive roles with the Government of Canada and the Economics Council of Canada. In 1992, David joined the World Bank, where his work took him to the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and Central Asia.

David’s family and friends remember him as an economist, world traveler, animal lover, expert bridge player, and oenophile. Most of all, he is missed for his sense of humour.

Donated by Laura, Mike, Dale, Adele, Anandamaya, Madeleine, and Aya

A blue tree icon is a 2024 CelebriTree. A red tree icon is a 2023 CelebriTree.