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British Columbia, Canada

Well I was looking through my pumpkin seeds today and I notice that I almost forgot how this crazy sport started!

So I thought it would be a good time to remember and say thanks for the 30 painstaking years that Howard Dill spent selective planting and pollinating pumpkins to create the Alantic Giant pumpkin.

Every world class pumpkin grown in the last 33 years had it's origin in Howard Dills garden. Giant pumpkin growing would be nowhere without Howard's contributions.

Sadly, Howard passed away back in 2008. But his legacy will go on for a very very long time.

Thank You Howard Dill for creating this awesome sport!

3/9/2012 1:59:20 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Amen!

3/9/2012 4:55:48 AM

Muddy Waters

Thanks Howard! Support the Sport!

3/9/2012 7:11:14 AM

Rhode Island

it is just that howard be remembered with admiration by all giant pumpkin growers.
guys like howard do not come around every day.
he will always be honored in our thoughts
pap & ron

3/9/2012 7:43:53 AM

Bristol R.I. USA

Been good to me. Everyone loves a giant pumpkin.

3/9/2012 7:51:03 AM

Lexington, Ky

I remember seeing Howard on TV with a giant when I was a kid, he was larger than life to me.

3/9/2012 8:39:11 AM

Waquoit Mass

hopefully howard can work his magic with the hockey gods again this year.

3/9/2012 8:46:08 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Did Howard grow tomatoes too? Marv

3/9/2012 9:49:45 AM

Linden, Mi.,

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Dill in Canada, what a great person, I think of him often. Yes, THANK YOU Mr. Dill for all the fun you gave us, in growing these GIANTS, what a trip it has been.

3/9/2012 10:34:42 AM

Minnesota

Yeah Howard, don't forget about the MN Wild Hockey team. I have called the Dills for seed orders, very nice people.

3/9/2012 11:46:55 AM

Hanover,Ontario,Canada

My favorite quote of Howards is : "Pumpkins make people happy"

3/9/2012 1:52:28 PM

Littleton, Colorado

From the time I first contacted Howard in 1982, he freely, and generously shared seeds, and growing tips,---allowing me to set personal bests that I could not have done otherwise. When I see the great generosity of so many of the top growers of today, I am reminded of what a great teacher Howard has been. I've often wondered in recent years how many passionate giant pumpkin growers there might have been worldwide when Howard grew his 493 1/2 in 1981. And how many there are now, in 2012. However many of us there are, we all owe a lot to Howard's intuitive direction with pumpkins--genetically, and his kindness in sharing seeds and knowledge with all of us! What a legacy!

3/10/2012 1:16:55 AM

Parker, Co

yes, the Dill Family really got this sport kick started. i remember Pete calling Howard for the first time in the early 80's! and then meeting Howard and Hilda and the "kids" on our honeymoon in 1984. It has been fun to watch Howard's Pumpkins (danny and diana) grow too!!!

3/10/2012 11:38:54 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kudo's to Mr. Dill, and his kids!!!! I guess it's why we call em "Dill's Atlantic Giants"!!!! Peace, Wayne

3/10/2012 7:58:33 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

The tradition is alive and well Ankle, Danny and Diana have always been there for seeds, advice and support.

As for the man himself, he was awesome! Maybe another thread should be started under the title " How Howard helped me" or " when I met Howard". He was one of a kind.

3/10/2012 9:24:34 PM

Cameron

Howard is the Pumpkin God. We pray to him at the beginning of each season to give us the luck we need to grow a monster kin. Danny & Diana are keeping his legacy alive & well in Windsor NS. We suggest you stop by for a visit if you ever get the chance.
Jane & Phil

3/12/2012 10:01:17 AM