ValleyCrest's Stuart J. Sperber Passes Away

Stuart J. Sperber, founder of ValleyCrest Tree Co., passed away Friday, Sept. 7.  Sperber was diagnosed with throat cancer nearly two years ago and battled the disease with great courage and determination, living every day to the fullest. His absence will create a deep void in the landscape and nursery industry. His loyal employees will work hard to preserve what Sperber started and keep his legacy alive.

Sperber was a pioneer of innovation who profoundly influenced the landscape and nursery industries. Known as an industry advocate and leader, Sperber built ValleyCrest Tree Company into one of the premier tree nursery and specimen tree moving businesses. His success came as a result of innovation, exceptional customer service, and a talented and motivated workforce. Sperber established ValleyCrest Tree Company on a three acre parcel in the San Fernando Valley never expecting that half a century later his footprint would have reshaped the future of the nursery business. 
 
A lifetime green industry professional, Sperber also worked to enhance the industry’s role in uniting public and private sectors on legislation related to the green industry across California. Educating about the detrimental effects of drought and disease on trees was one of his primary missions. 

Sperber has earned a number of accolades and distinctions for his contributions to the nursery industry. In 2007, Sperber’s alma mater, Cal Poly Pomona, awarded him both the distinguished alumnus of the year and an honorary doctorate in recognition of his continuing contributions to the school and to the industry at large. In June 2007, at the school's commencement ceremony, in what was his last public address,Sperber thanked his family and friends for their “lifetime of support,” and encouraged the graduates to “believe in their dreams.” 
 
Previously, Sperber was honored by Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Agriculture with its first Award of Distinction. In 2005, he was conferred the Pacific Coast Nurseryman Award, an honor bestowed by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers on the individual who best demonstrates a lifetime of horticultural excellence and professional achievement.
 
Sperber has held numerous leadership positions with professional landscape associations. He was the past president of the California Landscape Contractor’s Association and the University Education Trust at California State Polytechnic University Pomona. He belonged to the National Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, the Western Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture, the American Nursery and Landscape Association, Nursery Growers Association and the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers.  
 
Sperber is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Leslie, his children Rochelle and Tadd, Adam, Julie and Rob, his seven grandchildren, Garrett, Mallory, Jerremy, Arielle, Maia, Lucas and Brady, his twin sister Deanna and his brother Burton.
 
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 10 at Mount Sinai in the Hollywood Hills, appropriately overlooking the San Fernando Valley, where Sperber was raised, left his mark with thousands of planted trees, and touched countless people.