Worldwide poinsettia market leader Paul Ecke Jr. passed away yesterday after a long illness. He was 76 years old.
“The name Paul Ecke is synonymous with poinsettias in every corner of the globe,” commented Pat Kinman, marketing communications manager, Paul Ecke Ranch. “Ecke lead the revolution in how this crop was bred, produced and sold, and in doing so, helped create the best-selling container plant in the world.”
Paul's accomplishments include the creation of the worldwide poinsettia market, a lifetime focus on educational institutions, leadership in the floral industry and issues important to the San Diego region, and, most importantly for Ecke, support of children through his involvement with the Magdalena Ecke YMCA.
“His role in the building of the Paul Ecke Ranch into one of the world's preeminent greenhouses is a tribute to his skill, his amazing energy and his passion for the floral marketplace,” Kinman said.
Ecke is survived by his wife, Maureen, his children, Sara Ecke May of Greensboro, N.C., Lizbeth Ecke, Paul Ecke III, and by his seven grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Magdalena Ecke YMCA, 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas, Calif. 92024.
Donations may be made to the Paul Ecke, Jr. Fellowship Fund, c/o American
Floral Endowment, 11 Glen-Ed Professional Park, Glen Carbon, Ill., 62034, or in his name to the Magdalena Ecke YMCA. For further information, please call 760-944-4022.
The author is Managing Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at nwisniewski@gie.net.