February 28, 1939 – November 15, 2025

The cactus and succulent community has lost one of its quiet institutions.

Roger Lane was  not only as our treasurer and librarian, but as a steady presence whose generosity, knowledge, and enthusiasm enriched the society for decades.

Roger joined the society in the late 1980s. Although he stepped away for a time, he returned about ten years later and remained deeply involved ever since. His contribution to the society went far beyond titles. Roger maintained a library—housed at his own home—carefully selecting books that members could borrow and learn. For many of us, Roger’s library became an invaluable resource and a place of discovery.

His passion for plants was unmistakable. While he enjoyed both cacti and succulents, he had a particular fondness for Euphorbias and caudiciform plants, and his collection of these remarkable species was truly impressive. Among his treasures was a Copiapoa cactus believed to be more than 150 years old—a living testament to the time and patience that Roger devoted to cultivating plants.

Roger’s introduction to the world of cacti and succulents began soon after he arrived in the Bay Area from Washington, DC for work. While waiting for his security clearance, coworkers took him on visits to local nurseries. Those trips sparked what would become a lifelong passion. Before long he was traveling with nursery owner Jim Daniel to Southern California, collecting plants and deepening his knowledge.

Before making the Bay Area his permanent home, Roger worked for the NSA, where he served in several divisions including cryptography, communications security, and computers. While on assignment in Palo Alto, he discovered the area, fell in love with it, and decided to stay. After leaving the NSA, he worked for several companies in Silicon Valley until his retirement.

Plants were only one part of Roger’s vibrant life. He loved hosting gatherings, baking for friends, and traveling the world to see plants in their native habitats. His botanical journeys took him to Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, places where he could experience firsthand the landscapes and species he admired so deeply. Along the way he also developed an extensive collection of bromeliads and tillandsias, adding even more diversity to his remarkable garden.

Roger often spoke about the importance of community within the society. He believed strongly in volunteering and was always ready to help. At the same time, he hoped to see more young people discover the fascination of cacti and succulents and become part of the society’s future.

Roger’s knowledge, generosity, and gentle humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The plants he loved so much—and the community he helped nurture—stand as lasting reminders of the passion he shared so freely.