Dr. Roy Goss Dies After a Battle with Cancer

Dr. Roy L. Goss, the most influential and generous person in the history of the Northwest Turfgrass Association, died Saturday after a six-week battle against prostate and spinal cancer.  

Dr. Goss died at a cancer care facility in Wenatchee with his wife, Marcie, and other members of his family by his side.  

Dr. Goss was a turfgrass specialist for Washington State University, conducting research and extension programs at the Puyallup facility of WSU.  

 He retired in 1988 after 30 years with WSU and many of his efforts have been widely recognized and adopted throughout the world. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) in 1978 and received the Green Section Award from the United States Golf Association in 1988.  

The NTA exists today because of Dr. Goss’ energy during the formulative years of the association and because of his financial contributions in his later years.  

Goss’ research over the years discovered that by managing fertilizer applications for all types of turf, including those used for sports fields and golf greens, diseases and fungi could be effectively minimized, thus reducing applications of fungicides and other treatments.  

Goss also instituted the use of sand as the base for sports fields and putting greens to improve drainage and reduce damage from heavy use, significantly improving durability and reducing maintenance. His approach is the standard still used today.

Because of his dedication and his contributions, the research farm at the Puyallup facility was named the R.L. Goss Research Farm.  

Roy was born in Weslaco, Texas in 1926 and received three degrees from WSU (BS Agriculture, B. of Education, PhD Agriculture).  

editor's note:  Dr. Goss was also a honorary lifetime member of the WCTA and had a tremendous influence north of the border as well.