How Bernadine Strik, the Berry Research Innovator, Died from Ovarian Cancer

^Introduction

^{Bernadine Strik was a renowned horticulturist, professor, and berry specialist who made significant contributions to the berry industry worldwide. She died on April 14, 2023, at the age of 60, after a battle with ovarian cancer. In this article, we will look at her life, achievements, and legacy.}

^{Early Life and Education}

^{Bernadine Strik was born on April 29, 1962, in The Hague, Netherlands. Her family moved to Australia in 1965, and then to Canada in 1971, where they owned and operated a nursery and landscaping business. Strik developed a passion for horticulture from an early age, working at her parents’ nursery and learning from her grandparents, who were also in the produce industry.}

^{Strik excelled in academics, earning a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of Victoria in 1983, and a doctoral degree in horticulture from the University of Guelph in 1987. She completed her PhD at the age of 25, with distinction.}

^{Career and Impact}

^{Strik joined Oregon State University in 1987 as an assistant professor of horticulture, and became a full professor in 1997. She specialized in berries, especially blueberries, and conducted innovative research on their production, nutrient management, and organic farming. She also developed methods for growing strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries. Her research changed the practices of berry growers in the US and abroad, increasing yields, reducing losses, and improving quality.}

^{Strik was also involved in teaching, extension, and outreach, mentoring many students and colleagues, and collaborating with industry partners. She helped identify and combat the phylloxera invasion that threatened Oregon’s wineries in 1990. She received many awards and honors for her work, including the fellowship of the American Society for Horticultural Science in 2007, and the fellowship of the International Society for Horticultural Science in 2021. She retired in 2021, after 34 years of service.}

^{Personal Life and Death}

^{Strik married Neil Bell, a fellow horticulturist, in 1994. They had two daughters, who inherited their parents’ love for plants. Strik was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020, and underwent treatment, but the disease progressed. She died on April 14, 2023, in Corvallis, Oregon, surrounded by her family and friends.}

^Conclusion

^{Bernadine Strik was a remarkable person, who made a lasting impact on the world of horticulture and beyond. She was a leader, a mentor, and a friend to many, who admired her for her intelligence, dedication, and humor. She was a pioneer in berry research, who helped shape the industry and the future of sustainable agriculture. She will be remembered as an amazing person, and a berry icon.}