From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ma.

I am deeply sad to post that Al Berard has passed away. Al fought a courageous battle against cancer. Al was a pillar of our giant pumpkin community and a close friend who will be forever missed by all that knew him. Always generous with seeds and encouragement for new growers and enthusiasm in promoting the growing of giants. He was the first person to approach us at our first weigh off and offer us seeds and made us feel welcome (we showed up with a burpee prizewinner pumpkin) He made sure we we had seeds from his own giants and our friendship grew over the years. My deepest condolences to family and friends.

11/1/2020 10:18:00 AM

South East

Only talked once or twice but a nice guy for sure.

Rip Al

11/1/2020 11:31:42 AM

President - GPC

My deepest condolences to family and friends. His achievements in this hobby shall not be forgotten.
Rest in Peace

11/1/2020 11:39:27 AM

dang hate to hear this al would always call on phone in winter had no idea about this rest in peace

11/1/2020 11:59:57 AM

Bethlehem CT

Very sad news indeed. I never met him in person but I have had correspondence and received seeds from him. When I first got into this hobby I bought a copy of How to Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins 2. In the book there is a great picture of Al with a garden hose going into his pumpkin like he is filling it with water and Al is right next to the pumpkin with his finger over his mouth. (non verbally communicating "let's keep this a secret")

11/1/2020 12:02:41 PM

Maine

For folks who knew Al, you probably know why we call him The Godfather of pumpkin growing in Maine. He inspired many of us to get into this hobby. I appreciate his willingness to always help a grower out. "WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR" will be missed.

11/1/2020 12:13:33 PM

Massachusetts

Very sad news for sure. Al was one of the first pumpkin growers I met and a really nice guy. He will be missed here in New England.

11/1/2020 12:43:55 PM

Jericho Vermont

Rest in peace Al. Hope heaven has a field ready for you to grow your 49 plants!

11/1/2020 1:47:22 PM

Colorado

Sad to hear. RIP

11/1/2020 1:49:01 PM

Central NY

So sorry to hear this...our condolences.

11/1/2020 4:58:50 PM

Johnston, R.I.

So sorry to hear this. Rest in peace my friend..

11/1/2020 5:30:03 PM

Merrimack NH

Al was a big part of the New England Giant Pumpkin growing community. A huge loss, he will be greatly missed.

11/1/2020 5:48:20 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

Great guy well miss him

11/1/2020 6:00:49 PM

Tyngsboro, MA

Sorry to hear this. Rest in peace, Al

11/1/2020 8:37:00 PM

Centennial Colorado

Sorry to hear that. Always tough to loose someone.

11/1/2020 8:45:34 PM

Prestonsburg,ky

So sorry to hear

11/1/2020 8:57:39 PM

Topsfield,ma.

He Will Be Missed. Al attended the first Topsfield Fair Weigh-Off and never missed one till now. A Great friend to all.

11/1/2020 9:19:11 PM

Central Illinois

My condolences to his family and friends.

11/2/2020 4:46:36 AM

Boscawen, NH

Al was one of the best. Anyone that could grow 40+ giants year after year had to be special. He was one of the kindest and hardest working growers out there and he will be missed. Condolences to Yvette and the family.

11/2/2020 7:41:34 AM

Massillon, Ohio

Sorry to hear this sad news.

11/2/2020 8:30:23 AM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

When I read that it sent shivers thru throughout. My first year of growing I got a seed from Al and to this date almost twenty years later I have grown a better looking Orange Pumpkin. Thanks AL may you rest in peace.

11/2/2020 8:56:42 AM

ipswich, ma usa

Rest in Peace Al! Enjoy some friend clams up there for us all!

11/2/2020 11:06:04 AM

New Hampshire

Just heard the bad news, Al was one of a kind and an awesome addition to any weigh off I attended. From helping to harvest and load Hiram's Topsfield winner to the regatta's in Sanford and the tour of his patch, will always be good memories for me. But the memory of him trash talking with my then 14 year old daughter in Deerfield because his pumpkin was 7lbs heavier than hers will always bring a big smile to our families face. Rest in peace Al and hope to see you on the other side.

11/2/2020 5:21:11 PM

Penryn CA

Very touching - Sorry to hear about his passing.

11/2/2020 10:26:25 PM

Marshfield, Ma, USA

Al was a great guy. My condolences to his family.

11/3/2020 6:20:12 AM

huntsburg,ohio

Al was very good man.Had lots of good talks with him.Jerry

11/3/2020 4:27:10 PM

Partlow,Va

Al will be missed. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. My condolences go out to his family.

11/5/2020 8:29:46 AM

Nova Scotia

Oh No? This is really sad.2020 a year to forget more ways than one. Al was what I would call the "True Giant Pumpkin Grower", sharing seeds, advice and support.30 plus years I figure he has been at it. I am so glad to stop by to visit him over a year ago, see his patch and how much work he put into it. As well the hospitality that he and Yvette showed me. The best hamburgers I ever ate! I know his grandchild really enjoyed growing small pumpkins, so who knows he may carry the torch some day for Al? RIP my friend from all us at the Dill Farm. Danny and Daina.

11/5/2020 4:59:48 PM

Johnstown, Ohio

Rest In Peace our pumpkin brother. The family is saddened by our loss. Prayers for his family.

11/12/2020 9:44:00 PM