Kyle A Cassidy graduated from Patrick Henry High School (PHHS) in 1980. He was a representative on student government and a teachers aide. He also participated in intramural hockey, badminton and the varsity baseball team. Some may have described Kyle as a “burnout” during high school, but labels did not hinder him then or now. Kyle was popular among his classmates and he still maintains in contact with several even 40 years later. Good friend and PHHS Alumni Timothy Hoffman has known Kyle since he was four years old. They both grew up on 51st and Colfax, attended schools together the entire time and have remained friends ever since.

Kyle is the son of Richard and Polly. Their children were Kevin, Colleen, Kurt, Carrie, Kyle, Collette, Claudia, and Cathleen. Kyle attended kindergarten at Jenny Lind. His elementary school years were spent at Our Lady of Victory until 8th grade. Kyle came to PHHS in 9th grade. Four years later he graduated. This family has a strong connection to the north side and Henry High. Richard, Kyle’s father, graduated from North High School and all of his children are alumni from PHHS.

When asked what subjects came naturally to him, Kyle told me that his private Catholic school education more than prepared him for his high school years. English, however, was a class he felt particularly good at.
Kyle stated that algebra was not difficult, but geometry was a challenge. Having to make a choice Kyle left geometry behind and chose chemistry with Mr. Carlson instead. Kyle’s favorite teacher was Mrs. Falor who taught home economics. He attended seven of her classes during his time at Patrick Henry. He also enjoyed Mrs. Mardesich (Spanish) and Mr. Feely (World Religion).

Kyle’s best memory of high school was near the end of his senior year. Classmate Dan Hegstrand asked Kyle if he would ask Pam Galas, (our homecoming queen) to the senior prom. Kyle quickly agreed and together with Dan, his date Stacy Goski the foursome had a memorable time spent with other classmates.

After Kyle graduated, his father immediately asked him his intentions. “Kyle,” he said, “what’s it going to be: school or a job?” Kyle without hesitation said, “A job.” Shortly after that, Kyle became an apprentice in the union for ceramic tile craftsman. He, all his brothers and his father, Richard, worked at Lakeside Tile. Later, Kyle’s brother Kurt started his own company named Kurtile. The brothers still work together.

Several years after high school, Kyle met and later married Lisa. They have been married over 25 year. They have two daughters named Annamarie (22) and Kylee (21). After Kyle married Lisa he acted on his passion for roses, so he started a rose garden. Deer soon found and ate up his beautiful roses Not getting discouraged, he tried tulips. Deer went after those as well. Unwilling to give up in defeat (a trait many remember from our class days) he kept searching for another option. That is when he saw a display of Dahlia’s at a local Menards. They were gorgeous. He then noticed that there was a little deer icon with an X on it with additional information about how to grow Dahlias. It has been about 15 years ago that Kyle started growing a a few dahlias. His passion has turned his hobby into a business that has expanded over the years. Kyle started Creekside Dahlia’s where he grows, sells and helps develop new varieties of “tubes” and fresh cut flowers. The St. Paul Pioneer Press stated in 2016 that he likely has the largest dahlia farm in MN. He meticulously grows and takes great steps to nourish and protect his plants. Lisa is not only a large part of the success at Creekside Dahlias, she located the four acre property where the operation and his home is located. The operation also relies upon their girls. Creekside Dahlias is a family affair as it is the largest in the state of Minnesota.

After a few years of growing Kyle became a member of the Minnesota Dahlia Society. In 2015, Kyle applied for the American Dahlia Society’s Judge Course which he successfully completed in 2016. Karen Zierdt, one of many long time growers and society member, taught that class. She was inspired by Kyle’s enthusiasm, creativity, and eagerness to learn. Karen stated “Kyle is an extremely knowledgeable grower. Yet as a judge team member, his peers describe how eager he is to learn & hear any & all aspects & discussions in the judging process-never forcing his opinion or knowledge over another’s.” Kyle also has a passion for “show” Dahlias. He presents many varieties at the Minnesota State Fair and the Bachman's Show in Minneapolis.  Kyle continues to expand his growing of show dahlias and now grows over 900 plants and over 350 varieties. Kyle is a certified judge and participates in a trial garden that the MN Dahlia Society initiates. Kyle has been asked and accepted speaking engagements from garden clubs where he shares his knowledge and support to other growers.

Kyle sells tubers, plants and flowers on his website and on his farm. At Creekside Dahlias, you can arrange to stop by and pick out your own flowers for weddings or other special occasions.  Yearly he brings some of his most prized dahlias to the Minnesota State Fair. He wins so many ribbons there are just to many to list. He also shows his dahlia’s at Bachman’s. Kyle has won awards at the national level. Many of his blooms are shown in the “Court of Honor” which is the best of the best in each category. He has partnerships with local florists. Kyle gives tours to garden clubs in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Friends and family have also stopped by and Kyle graciously shares not only his flowers, but his knowledge. He certainly has inspired me.

Kyle is continuing to master his craft. After 5 years of apprenticeship and successful completion of requirements he will advance to a fully accredited Judge of the Society in 2021. Karen Zierdt expects him to advance his training to eventually become a senior judge. This is the ultimate goal of those like Kyle who strive for perfection. It is a rigorous course that combines training with experience taking up to nine years to achieve.

Tim Hoffman who was at Kyle’s farm on the day I visited told me that Kyle has always strived to achieve in his passions. “Kyle is a hard worker when he has his mind set on it. He is on top of it.” Tim is not surprised at the success Kyle is having with his Dahlias. His competitiveness and drive to succeed is clearly demonstrated when you visit his four acre garden.