The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens announced it will illuminate its conservatory in blue on Friday in memory of Mark Mortenson.

Mark Mortenson, the president and CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, has died, the Botanical Gardens announced Sunday.

"Mark was a visionary leader who embodied the spirit of our 'Wow, Wonder, Welcome' philosophy, enriching the experience of every guest who visited our Gardens."

Mortenson became head of the Gardens in March 2022, succeeding David Swarts, after nearly five years as president and CEO of the Richardson Center Corp. and executive director of the Lipsey Architecture Center.