Aug 23, 2012

Industry Veteran Passes AwaySource: Messick Company

Long time industry veteran, Darrell Messick, passed away due to natural causes in Saratoga, Calif., on Aug. 13, 2012 at the age of 81.

Messick spent nearly 60 years in the horticultural industry. He spent the first half of his career working for George J. Ball Company. After leaving Ball, he founded his own successful national brokerage company, Messick Company, that continues today.

An industry innovator, Messick had a huge impact in developing the West Coast Azalea industry, was a major factor in the Easter lily bulb business and among other areas he had considerable involvement in the bare root rose industry.

Always dedicated to the industry and the development of young horticulturalists through education, he was one of the founders of the DuPage Horticultural school. Messick and Carl Ball conceived the idea of school.

The celebration of Darrell’s life will take place at Saratoga Federated Church in the Sanctuary, 20390 Park Place in Saratoga on Sept. 8, 2012 at 3 p.m. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Saratoga Foothill Club, 20399 Park Place in Saratoga from 4-6 p.m.