CORVALLIS, Ore. — Bernadine Strik, who brought dedication and innovation to her position as berry specialist for the Oregon State University Extension Service for 34 years, died on April 14. She was 60.
“She was a giant professionally, but more importantly, she was an amazing person. Bernadine was the genuine article, and we will miss her dearly.”
In 2021, as she retired, Strik received the highest honor bestowed by the International Society for Horticultural Science for her industry-changing berry program. The prestigious ISHS fellowship is presented to scientists who have made a significant impact on horticulture worldwide.
Strik’s innovative research, teaching and Extension outreach had a significant influence on the state’s berry industry. A similar honor came in 2007 when she was named an American Society for Horticultural Science fellow.
“Bernadine’s impact is felt worldwide as an icon of the berry industry, a mentor, and a friend,” said Scott Lukas, OSU Extension berry specialist and Strik’s successor after her retirement. “Her infectious energy for horticulture, science and education produced industry-changing advancements and a legacy of knowledge spread across the globe. Her wisdom and passion for horticulture and life will be deeply missed.”
Mentor, colleague and friend
Strik’s impact stretched to the many students and colleagues she mentored over the years.
“In addition to the professional accomplishments, accolades and impact she made, Bernadine was a marvelous colleague, mentor and friend to so many of us,” said Ryan Contreras, associate head of Oregon State’s Department of Horticulture and professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “She was a giant professionally, but more importantly, she was an amazing person. Bernadine was the genuine article, and we will miss her dearly.”
Early life and education
Born in Holland, Strik grew up in Australia and Vancouver, British Columbia, where her parents owned and operated a large retail nursery. She worked at the nursery, became enamored of horticulture and attended the University of Victoria, earning an honors bachelor’s degree in botany and completing an undergraduate thesis on rhododendron propagation.
She went on to earn a doctorate with distinction in horticulture from the University of Guelph in Ontario at age 25. After graduation, she joined the Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences as a berry specialist and professor, spending her career supporting the industry.
Transforming an industry
Oregon blueberry growers worked closely with Strik and benefited from her expertise.
“To berry growers in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Strik was just Bernadine,” said Dave Brazelton, owner of Fall Creek Farm & Nursery. “That familiarity came from her unique ability for professional yet personal relationships with those in our industry. She was straight talking, to the point, always with that infectious humor. She squeezed every ounce of useful information out of her many research projects. She was the quintessential approachable scientist. Her presentations lifted us, enlightened us and helped us to learn and change. We are better growers and we are a better industry because of Bernadine Strik.”
In Strik’s 34 years at Oregon State, blueberry acreage in Oregon jumped from 1,200 to 15,000 acres, with major changes in production systems based on her research.
Her landmark 14-year project on organic blueberry production — planting methods, fertilization, mulching, cultivar adaptation and weed control — helped drive an increase in Oregon organic acreage from 2% in 2006 to 20% in 2020 as growers adopted her research-based methods to increase profitability.
“Bernadine contributed so much to the berry industry and to training students,” said Bill Braunworth, head of the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State. “She made strong service contributions to our college and department, especially in mentoring newer faculty members. In addition to being a great scientist, she was a warm and welcoming friend to many and loved and treasured by her family.”
Family and travels
Strik met her husband, Neil Bell, in Canada in 1990. They married in 1994. Both were studying horticulture and, Bell says, “Berries brought us together.” Bell retired in 2022 from OSU Extension as a community horticulturist.
Outside of work, Strik and Bell were avid travelers, visiting other countries for pleasure and often professionally to collect plants or share information. Sometimes their two daughters, Nicole and Shannon, traveled with them, and all four enjoyed hiking, especially challenging routes.
Previously titled Bernadine Strik remembered as 'amazing person, mentor and friend'
