Ecke Ranch, community mourns death of Jack Williams

ENCINITAS — “I am on the longest, craziest journey of my life and loving every minute of it! Who would have known a few plants would take you around the world!” – Jack Williams
Jack Williams passed away unexpectedly Oct. 18, while traveling on business in Australia.
“The news of his death came as a complete shock to everyone,” a statement from Ecke Ranch said. “Our entire company is in mourning. Jack touched so many lives in so many ways. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to Jack’s wife, Cheryl, his son, Steven, and his daughter, Bethany, during this difficult time.”
Williams was involved in the evaluation, selection and introduction of new products distributed by Ecke Ranch and their International crops divisions, Ecke Europe and PLA. His focus included not only the poinsettias this company is world-famous for, but also all the annual bedding plants, geraniums, kalanchoe and other vegetative annual crops produced and sold by the Ecke companies. In addition to working with product development, production and the sales and marketing groups for new plant introductions, Williams supported these crops through technical support in the form of production documents, magazine articles, crop production books and grower seminars. He was also a regular featured author in consumer press and was a frequent guest on various radio and television programs targeted to home gardeners.
A memorial fund is being established in William’s name at his family’s request and more information will be released once it is in place. Memorial services will be held at noon Oct. 30 St. James Catholic Church, 623 S. Nardo Ave., Solana Beach. A memorial reception will immediately follow the church service beginning at approximately 1:30 p.m. at San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive.
Inquiries may be made to Gina Mendoza at the Ecke Ranch by calling (760) 944-4010 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Readers are invited to visit the following memorial webpages to leave messages for Jack, his wife, Cheryl, and his children, Bethany and Steven:
— Jack Williams Memorial Page on Facebook: Jack Williams Memorial Page
— Jack Williams Memorial Page on Ecke’s website at www.ecke.com.
“Jack was my classmate at Colorado State University, and he was always a much better student than I was!” said Paul Ecke III, chief executive officer and owner of Ecke Farms. “It was a great feeling to see Jack at the Ranch when I returned in 1987. He has contributed here ever since, first as a grower, and later in many ways, including traveling the world helping growers grow and market their crops, as well as being part of our creative team and of our product development effort. He was truly blessed. He loved his family, and he loved his work.”
“Jack was doing what he liked doing the most. He was traveling the world discussing and advising on poinsettias, creating continued interest and fascination for the crop,” said Lars Henriksen, managing director, PLA/Ecke Europe.