Lloyd Thomas Chancey

L. Thomas Chancey, known to all as Tom, a respected Fort Lauderdale landscape architect, ISA Certified Arborist, and tireless advocate for trees, passed away peacefully at his home on March 11, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving children.

Tom is survived by his three children, Jeremy Thomas Chancey, Jennifer Chancey Van Williams, and Kaela Chancey Roffman; six grandchildren, with one more on the way; and four great-grandchildren. He was the only son of Marjorie Overstreet Chancey and Lloyd Edgar Chancey.

His faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses formed the bedrock of his life. A man of honor, integrity, and deep conviction, Tom openly shared his belief in Jehovah and in the promise that the Earth would one day be restored to paradise. These convictions guided both his work and his care for others.

At Softscapes, the tropical garden gallery he created in Fort Lauderdale, Tom cultivated a lush sanctuary filled with rare and remarkable plant specimens that he had carefully collected, relocated, and nurtured over many years. A towering rainbow gum eucalyptus, with its striking multicolored bark, stood as one of the garden’s most distinctive treasures. The grounds were alive with songbirds, a daily joy for Tom. It was also at Softscapes that he lovingly cared for his mother until she reached the age of 102½, ensuring she could watch the birds from her bedroom window.

Tom’s career centered on the thoughtful care, preservation, and relocation of trees. He owned L. Thomas Chancey and Associates and operated Artistree, a tree-care and pruning company, as well as Softscapes. The City of Fort Lauderdale hosted many of its Arbor Day celebrations at Softscapes, where Tom also taught local schoolchildren about the value of trees and landscapes.

For decades, he was a prominent voice in Florida’s environmental and landscaping community, best known for his longstanding “Save Our Trees” advocacy and his dedication to protecting trees throughout South Florida. He founded the nonprofit Tree Bank, which rescued trees and palms threatened by development and gave them new homes in public spaces, including the Riverside Park neighborhood. His efforts helped preserve many of the trees that continue to define the beauty of Fort Lauderdale.

Tom also served on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Community Appearance Board and Utility Advisory Board. In recognition of his work, he received honors from numerous organizations for his commitment to environmental stewardship.

A life spent protecting and celebrating trees remains his living legacy. The branches and shade of the trees he fought to preserve stand as a quiet, enduring monument to a man who devoted himself to their care.