It is with much sadness that we announce a death in the Florida Bonsai family. One of our greats, Thomas Zane, passed away in his home in Utah peacefully in his bed.Tom was instrumental in Florida Bonsai, his main focus being education. His short booklet “Introduction to Bonsai: A Course Syllabus” published in 1991, is still available in print, and is used extensively as one of the best beginners guides for bonsai classes in the USA.

The founder of the Kawa Bonsai Society and BSF President from 1993-1995, Tom also was the guiding hand in the Epcot/BSF partnership for inclusion of bonsai in the inaugural Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, back in 1994, a partnership which has grown from the original 16 trees loaned in the first year to today’s 21.

Many of the current influential Florida bonsai artists got their start either directly, or from Tom’s educational materials, and the bonsai community and BSF would not be where it is if it weren’t for his teachings and guidance.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends.