The George Harrison Memorial Tree planted in Griffith Park was killed by bark beetles, in a display of irony that would probably make the late rocker laugh or his guitar gently weep.
The pine tree was planted in the park in 2002, a year after the musician and ex-Beatle lost his battle with cancer.
Harrison spent his last days in Los Angeles and was cremated at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge said the tree had grown to more than 10 feet tall since its planting, but like many trees in the area, had fallen victim to the drought that created conditions in which the beetles could thrive.
Urban forestry officials removed the tree before the beetles could spread to others nearby, LaBonge said.
The councilman called Harrison his favorite Beatle and said the memorial was in honor of a man “who went to heaven from the City of Angels.”
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He also praised Harrison for the humanitarian efforts he made during his life.
"He cared about people," LaBonge said. "He was the first rock 'n' roller to have a benefit concert for Bangladesh. He's the first guy to say, 'let's raise money for the cause'."
The tree itself was marked with a small plaque that spoke to the man often labeled as the “spiritual Beatle.”
It reads: "In memory of a great humanitarian who touched the world as an artist, a musician and a gardener." The plaque also quotes Harrison who said "for the forests to be green, each tree must be green."
Labonge said Harrison's family has been notified and memorial will be replanted in the fall after the scorching summer cools off.
In the meantime, fans of Harrison can look to the bright LA skies from where the shade of the tree used to stand and take heart at the musician’s lyrics.
“Here comes the sun, and I say, It's all right.”
