At aged 48, our Botanist breathes his last breath
27th June 1839
On this day, 27th June 1839, Allan Cunningham died. His life had been cut short. He was only 48. In the words of his friend Robert Heward, it was the “termination of the life of this truly estimable man”. Had he lived he would have continued collecting and identifying botanical specimens. He would have shared his knowledge with all those who showed an interest in understanding the wonders of nature. He was a success in every sense of the word. 1
The Allan Cunningham Project Research Team found a perfect quote by Bessie Anderson Stanley, which sums up the meaning of success in a very enlightened way:
He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Bessie Anderson Stanley 2
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who has left the world better than he found it, Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction.