In Memoriam

Paul Ecke Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of the president of our board, Paul Ecke, Jr., at the age of 76, on Monday, May 13, 2002. Mr. Ecke will be greatly missed by those here at the Market and throughout the industry.

Paul was a shining star in the floriculture industry. His achievements include the creation and advancement of the worldwide poinsettia market, a lifetime focus on educational institutions, leadership in the floral industry and issues important to the region around San Diego where his business was located. Also of great importance to him was the support of children through his involvement with the Magdalena Ecke YMCA in Encinitas.

The name Paul Ecke is synonymous with poinsettias in every corner of the globe. He led the revolution in breeding, producing and selling poinsettias and helped create the best-selling container plant in the world. His role in the building of the Paul Ecke Ranch at Encinitas into one of the world’s preeminent greenhouses is a tribute to his skill, amazing energy and passion for the floral marketplace.

Mr. Ecke’s recent industry involvement included service to the American Horticultural Society (development committee), the Society of American Florists (government relations), University of California Davis (agriculture college advisory board), California Polytechnic State University (advisory council), California State University San Marcos (university council board), the University of California President’s Advisory Commission on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ohio Florists Association (short course planning and educational affairs committee), Los Angeles Flower Market of the American Florists Exchange, Ltd. (president of the board), Museum of Natural History, San Diego (board) and the Stevens Cancer Center, La Jolla (board). His special interests included Planned Parenthood and various phases of the YMCA movement including membership on the World Service Section of the International Committee (founding board), and he was an active member of the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA board of managers.

Paul Ecke’s honors include the Society American Florists Hall of Fame, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award from the American Horticultural Society, the Distinguished Alumni award from Ohio State University’s College of Agriculture, the First Florist of the Land from Michigan State Florists Association, the Man of the Year from California State Floral Association, Farmer of the Year from San Diego County Farm Bureau and the San Diego Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award presented in April 2002.

Mr. Ecke is survived by his wife, Maureen, his children, Sara Ecke May of Greensboro, NC, Lizbeth Ecke, Paul Ecke III and seven grandchildren.