Barbara "Bobbi" Ann Ecker Blatchford, 85, of Watervliet, Mich., formerly of Waverly, Iowa, died at home Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. She was born Aug. 24, 1931, to William and Eleanor Brunstein.
She married Theodore "Ted" Ecker on Dec. 28, 1947. They later divorced.
She married Josiah "Joe" Blatchford on July 28, 1978. He died Nov. 11, 2015.
Bobbi operated the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was also director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker and a floral consultant to the city of Chicago, Macy's and FernTrust Inc., Seville, Florida.
Bobbi is survived by her children: Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, both Waverly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Lynn Ecker Barrett.
Celebration of life gathering will be 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Waverly Area Veterans Post. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, Waverly, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be directed to the family or charity of donor's choice.
Condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.
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Barbara 'Bobbi' Ann (Ecker) Blatchford, 85, of Watervliet, Michigan, formerly of the Waverly and Chicago areas, passed away at her home on February 3, 2017.
Bobbi was born August 24, 1931 to William and Eleanor Brunstein. She was united in marriage to Theodore "Ted" Ecker on December 28, 1947, they later divorced. On July 28, 1978 she was united in marriage to Josiah "Joe" Blatchford. Joe passed away on November 11, 2015.
Bobbi devoted her life to the floral industry, first with 30 years as a 2nd generation member of the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker throughout the United States, and a floral consultant to the City of Chicago, Macy's, and FernTrust, Inc., Seville, FL.
She was highly regarded in the industry having been awarded the American Institute of Floral Designers Fellows Designation, the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry, the Professional Commentators "Tommy Bright" Award of Excellence, Hall of Fame status in the North Central AIFD Regional Chapter, and the Michigan and Nebraska Floral Associations. In 2012, the AIFD North Central Chapter created the "Bobbi Cup" design competition in her honor held annually at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show.
In her 50+ years in the floral industry she was a mentor to many. In addition, she established innovative and cutting edge floral techniques and concepts that are still in use today. She had a passion for marketing and studying trends, and was a lifelong learner and voracious reader.
Bobbi is survived by her children, Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, Waverly, Iowa. Uncles Art Kurtt and John Kurtt (Laurel) many nieces and nephews and her many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lynn Ecker Barrett, aunts Frieda Kurtt, Dorothea Gleason, Marie Meyne, and uncles Erwin Kurtt and Harold Kurtt.
She had a gift for deep relationships with people, and was well known for her lively phone calls and prolific correspondence.
A celebration of life gathering will be 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 18 at the Waverly Area Veterans Post. Prayer Service & Time of Remembrance starting at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Joyce Sandberg of St. Paul's Lutheran Church presiding.
Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family with local arrangements.
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On October 11th the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) honored Mrs. Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford AAF, AIFD, PFCI with induction into its Hall of Fame. This special event was held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel located at 187 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2666.
Bobbi Ecker Blatchford's lifelong fascination with the floral industry has resulted in the evolution of a 60 year long career in that industry. Beginning with employment and then ownership of an established family floral and greenhouse operation in Iowa, Bobbi was influenced and inspired by the individuals and product that surrounded her.
After relocating to Chicago, Illinois she began The Flora Pros. As a recognized marketing expert with the understanding of all aspects of the process, she is known for generating new revenue streams through imaginative marketing and cutting edge ideas.
Bobbi is a noted speaker, commentator, award winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America.
Now in her senior years, she continues to bloom where she is planted in a century old cottage and studio in Michigan. Her personal motto is – Be the best that you can be, because that always works.
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Industry Says Good-Bye to Beloved Designer: Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI (Posted By: Mary Westbrookon: February 08, 2017In: Floral Industry News)
Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, passed away unexpectedly last week. "Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association.
Floral industry members around the country — and, really, the world — are saying farewell to Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, the celebrated designer and mentor extraordinaire who died unexpectedly last week.
"Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association. "I have been blessed to have had her part of my life for over 30 years. I will miss our talks on flowers, marketing, politics, people, children, love and life. She was truly a special lady."
That sentiment — that Ecker-Blatchford was one in a million — has been shared around social media this week, as industry members post fond recollections and stories about their interactions with the talented and forward-thinking designer.
Ecker-Blatchford dedicated her life to the floral industry. She worked in her family's floral and greenhouse operation in Waverly, Iowa. In Chicago, Illinois, she later started her own company, The Flora Pros. Over the course of her 60-plus-year career, she became a noted speaker, commentator, award-winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America. She was recognized and honored by many, many industry groups, including the American Institute of Floral Designers, International Floral Expo and the Michigan Floral Association, which inducted her into its prestigious Hall of Fame in 2012. The Society of American Florists recognized her with its 1997 Tommy Bright Award. In 2010, a rose was named in her honor.
As a designer and consultant, Ecker-Blatchford constantly looked for new ways to improve florists' lives and to bring new products and ideas to consumers. For 15 years, she worked with FernTrust, a co-op made up of 13 family farms, in Seville, Florida. One of her signature contributions include the development of the company's Fabulous Foliage bouquet lines, a series of pre-bunched foliage that helped streamline the work of floral designers while introducing consumers to a wider variety of foliage. That line remains popular for FernTrust — and in a year where 'Greenery' is the Pantone Color of the Year and high-end weddings are featuring lush, foliage-only bouquets — has helped cement Ecker-Blatchford's as a true visionary.
Still, for her business savvy and prodigious creative gifts, most industry members are remembering her light-filled spirit and the true joy she took in people, flowers and life.
"Bobbi lit up the room when she walked in and she connected with people in way that few can," said Jana Register, FernTrust's director of sales and marketing, who fondly recalled receiving personalized, very funny letters from Ecker-Blatchford, notes that were often complemented by an artistic sketch. "I was always amazed by her ability to remember even the smallest details of a person's life."
J M.H. Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, who grew up in the industry and knew Ecker-Blatchford as a young child, said he's certain she would want people to remember shared happy moments, and to celebrate rather than mourn.
"When I was a very young kid, maybe six or seven, she told me three things," Schwanke said. "First, she said, 'This is the best business in the world, because we get to turn people's emotions into flowers.' The second thing was, 'You can be the very best at anything, as long as you put your mind to it.' And the third was, 'I'll always be there for you.'"
The most remarkable thing about Ecker-Blatchford, Schwanke said, was that she gave that kind of wholehearted encouragement to everyone she met.
"Every single person she touched was better for it," he explained. "When you were with Bobbi, you felt like the most important person in her world."
A number of memorial and tributes are being planned to honor Ecker-Blatchford's life and contributions to the industry.
A celebration of her life will take place February 18, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Waverly Area Veterans Post.
An upcoming North Central Chapter AIFD newsletter will honor her with a special section — as a tribute to Ecker-Blatchford's love of hats and great style, florists are encouraged to wear a hat on Valentine's Day and send photos to [email protected].
The Michigan Floral Association will hold a Celebration of Life on March 5, 2017 at 8:15 during the 2017 Great Lakes Floral Expo. Before she died Ecker-Blatchford had been planning a "Coffee Chat with Bobbi" for the session time that morning — she already had procured light-up sunglasses to hand out to the audience because, in her view, the future was always bright and filled with potential, Crittenden said, adding that the celebration that morning will honor that spirit.
Ecker-Blatchford is survived by her daughter, Cyndi, and Cyndi's husband, Lyman Campbell; and her son, Bruce, and his wife, Kim Folkers. Her husband, Joe Blatchford, died in 2015.
She married Theodore "Ted" Ecker on Dec. 28, 1947. They later divorced.
She married Josiah "Joe" Blatchford on July 28, 1978. He died Nov. 11, 2015.
Bobbi operated the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was also director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker and a floral consultant to the city of Chicago, Macy's and FernTrust Inc., Seville, Florida.
Bobbi is survived by her children: Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, both Waverly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Lynn Ecker Barrett.
Celebration of life gathering will be 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Waverly Area Veterans Post. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, Waverly, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be directed to the family or charity of donor's choice.
Condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.
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Barbara 'Bobbi' Ann (Ecker) Blatchford, 85, of Watervliet, Michigan, formerly of the Waverly and Chicago areas, passed away at her home on February 3, 2017.
Bobbi was born August 24, 1931 to William and Eleanor Brunstein. She was united in marriage to Theodore "Ted" Ecker on December 28, 1947, they later divorced. On July 28, 1978 she was united in marriage to Josiah "Joe" Blatchford. Joe passed away on November 11, 2015.
Bobbi devoted her life to the floral industry, first with 30 years as a 2nd generation member of the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker throughout the United States, and a floral consultant to the City of Chicago, Macy's, and FernTrust, Inc., Seville, FL.
She was highly regarded in the industry having been awarded the American Institute of Floral Designers Fellows Designation, the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry, the Professional Commentators "Tommy Bright" Award of Excellence, Hall of Fame status in the North Central AIFD Regional Chapter, and the Michigan and Nebraska Floral Associations. In 2012, the AIFD North Central Chapter created the "Bobbi Cup" design competition in her honor held annually at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show.
In her 50+ years in the floral industry she was a mentor to many. In addition, she established innovative and cutting edge floral techniques and concepts that are still in use today. She had a passion for marketing and studying trends, and was a lifelong learner and voracious reader.
Bobbi is survived by her children, Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, Waverly, Iowa. Uncles Art Kurtt and John Kurtt (Laurel) many nieces and nephews and her many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lynn Ecker Barrett, aunts Frieda Kurtt, Dorothea Gleason, Marie Meyne, and uncles Erwin Kurtt and Harold Kurtt.
She had a gift for deep relationships with people, and was well known for her lively phone calls and prolific correspondence.
A celebration of life gathering will be 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 18 at the Waverly Area Veterans Post. Prayer Service & Time of Remembrance starting at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Joyce Sandberg of St. Paul's Lutheran Church presiding.
Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family with local arrangements.
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On October 11th the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) honored Mrs. Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford AAF, AIFD, PFCI with induction into its Hall of Fame. This special event was held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel located at 187 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2666.
Bobbi Ecker Blatchford's lifelong fascination with the floral industry has resulted in the evolution of a 60 year long career in that industry. Beginning with employment and then ownership of an established family floral and greenhouse operation in Iowa, Bobbi was influenced and inspired by the individuals and product that surrounded her.
After relocating to Chicago, Illinois she began The Flora Pros. As a recognized marketing expert with the understanding of all aspects of the process, she is known for generating new revenue streams through imaginative marketing and cutting edge ideas.
Bobbi is a noted speaker, commentator, award winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America.
Now in her senior years, she continues to bloom where she is planted in a century old cottage and studio in Michigan. Her personal motto is – Be the best that you can be, because that always works.
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Industry Says Good-Bye to Beloved Designer: Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI (Posted By: Mary Westbrookon: February 08, 2017In: Floral Industry News)
Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, passed away unexpectedly last week. "Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association.
Floral industry members around the country — and, really, the world — are saying farewell to Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, the celebrated designer and mentor extraordinaire who died unexpectedly last week.
"Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association. "I have been blessed to have had her part of my life for over 30 years. I will miss our talks on flowers, marketing, politics, people, children, love and life. She was truly a special lady."
That sentiment — that Ecker-Blatchford was one in a million — has been shared around social media this week, as industry members post fond recollections and stories about their interactions with the talented and forward-thinking designer.
Ecker-Blatchford dedicated her life to the floral industry. She worked in her family's floral and greenhouse operation in Waverly, Iowa. In Chicago, Illinois, she later started her own company, The Flora Pros. Over the course of her 60-plus-year career, she became a noted speaker, commentator, award-winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America. She was recognized and honored by many, many industry groups, including the American Institute of Floral Designers, International Floral Expo and the Michigan Floral Association, which inducted her into its prestigious Hall of Fame in 2012. The Society of American Florists recognized her with its 1997 Tommy Bright Award. In 2010, a rose was named in her honor.
As a designer and consultant, Ecker-Blatchford constantly looked for new ways to improve florists' lives and to bring new products and ideas to consumers. For 15 years, she worked with FernTrust, a co-op made up of 13 family farms, in Seville, Florida. One of her signature contributions include the development of the company's Fabulous Foliage bouquet lines, a series of pre-bunched foliage that helped streamline the work of floral designers while introducing consumers to a wider variety of foliage. That line remains popular for FernTrust — and in a year where 'Greenery' is the Pantone Color of the Year and high-end weddings are featuring lush, foliage-only bouquets — has helped cement Ecker-Blatchford's as a true visionary.
Still, for her business savvy and prodigious creative gifts, most industry members are remembering her light-filled spirit and the true joy she took in people, flowers and life.
"Bobbi lit up the room when she walked in and she connected with people in way that few can," said Jana Register, FernTrust's director of sales and marketing, who fondly recalled receiving personalized, very funny letters from Ecker-Blatchford, notes that were often complemented by an artistic sketch. "I was always amazed by her ability to remember even the smallest details of a person's life."
J M.H. Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, who grew up in the industry and knew Ecker-Blatchford as a young child, said he's certain she would want people to remember shared happy moments, and to celebrate rather than mourn.
"When I was a very young kid, maybe six or seven, she told me three things," Schwanke said. "First, she said, 'This is the best business in the world, because we get to turn people's emotions into flowers.' The second thing was, 'You can be the very best at anything, as long as you put your mind to it.' And the third was, 'I'll always be there for you.'"
The most remarkable thing about Ecker-Blatchford, Schwanke said, was that she gave that kind of wholehearted encouragement to everyone she met.
"Every single person she touched was better for it," he explained. "When you were with Bobbi, you felt like the most important person in her world."
A number of memorial and tributes are being planned to honor Ecker-Blatchford's life and contributions to the industry.
A celebration of her life will take place February 18, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Waverly Area Veterans Post.
An upcoming North Central Chapter AIFD newsletter will honor her with a special section — as a tribute to Ecker-Blatchford's love of hats and great style, florists are encouraged to wear a hat on Valentine's Day and send photos to [email protected].
The Michigan Floral Association will hold a Celebration of Life on March 5, 2017 at 8:15 during the 2017 Great Lakes Floral Expo. Before she died Ecker-Blatchford had been planning a "Coffee Chat with Bobbi" for the session time that morning — she already had procured light-up sunglasses to hand out to the audience because, in her view, the future was always bright and filled with potential, Crittenden said, adding that the celebration that morning will honor that spirit.
Ecker-Blatchford is survived by her daughter, Cyndi, and Cyndi's husband, Lyman Campbell; and her son, Bruce, and his wife, Kim Folkers. Her husband, Joe Blatchford, died in 2015.
Barbara "Bobbi" Ann Ecker Blatchford, 85, of Watervliet, Mich., formerly of Waverly, Iowa, died at home Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. She was born Aug. 24, 1931, to William and Eleanor Brunstein.
She married Theodore "Ted" Ecker on Dec. 28, 1947. They later divorced.
She married Josiah "Joe" Blatchford on July 28, 1978. He died Nov. 11, 2015.
Bobbi operated the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was also director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker and a floral consultant to the city of Chicago, Macy's and FernTrust Inc., Seville, Florida.
Bobbi is survived by her children: Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, both Waverly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Lynn Ecker Barrett.
Celebration of life gathering will be 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Waverly Area Veterans Post. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, Waverly, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be directed to the family or charity of donor's choice.
Condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.
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Barbara 'Bobbi' Ann (Ecker) Blatchford, 85, of Watervliet, Michigan, formerly of the Waverly and Chicago areas, passed away at her home on February 3, 2017.
Bobbi was born August 24, 1931 to William and Eleanor Brunstein. She was united in marriage to Theodore "Ted" Ecker on December 28, 1947, they later divorced. On July 28, 1978 she was united in marriage to Josiah "Joe" Blatchford. Joe passed away on November 11, 2015.
Bobbi devoted her life to the floral industry, first with 30 years as a 2nd generation member of the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker throughout the United States, and a floral consultant to the City of Chicago, Macy's, and FernTrust, Inc., Seville, FL.
She was highly regarded in the industry having been awarded the American Institute of Floral Designers Fellows Designation, the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry, the Professional Commentators "Tommy Bright" Award of Excellence, Hall of Fame status in the North Central AIFD Regional Chapter, and the Michigan and Nebraska Floral Associations. In 2012, the AIFD North Central Chapter created the "Bobbi Cup" design competition in her honor held annually at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show.
In her 50+ years in the floral industry she was a mentor to many. In addition, she established innovative and cutting edge floral techniques and concepts that are still in use today. She had a passion for marketing and studying trends, and was a lifelong learner and voracious reader.
Bobbi is survived by her children, Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, Waverly, Iowa. Uncles Art Kurtt and John Kurtt (Laurel) many nieces and nephews and her many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lynn Ecker Barrett, aunts Frieda Kurtt, Dorothea Gleason, Marie Meyne, and uncles Erwin Kurtt and Harold Kurtt.
She had a gift for deep relationships with people, and was well known for her lively phone calls and prolific correspondence.
A celebration of life gathering will be 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 18 at the Waverly Area Veterans Post. Prayer Service & Time of Remembrance starting at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Joyce Sandberg of St. Paul's Lutheran Church presiding.
Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family with local arrangements.
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On October 11th the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) honored Mrs. Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford AAF, AIFD, PFCI with induction into its Hall of Fame. This special event was held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel located at 187 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2666.
Bobbi Ecker Blatchford's lifelong fascination with the floral industry has resulted in the evolution of a 60 year long career in that industry. Beginning with employment and then ownership of an established family floral and greenhouse operation in Iowa, Bobbi was influenced and inspired by the individuals and product that surrounded her.
After relocating to Chicago, Illinois she began The Flora Pros. As a recognized marketing expert with the understanding of all aspects of the process, she is known for generating new revenue streams through imaginative marketing and cutting edge ideas.
Bobbi is a noted speaker, commentator, award winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America.
Now in her senior years, she continues to bloom where she is planted in a century old cottage and studio in Michigan. Her personal motto is – Be the best that you can be, because that always works.
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Industry Says Good-Bye to Beloved Designer: Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI (Posted By: Mary Westbrookon: February 08, 2017In: Floral Industry News)
Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, passed away unexpectedly last week. "Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association.
Floral industry members around the country — and, really, the world — are saying farewell to Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, the celebrated designer and mentor extraordinaire who died unexpectedly last week.
"Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association. "I have been blessed to have had her part of my life for over 30 years. I will miss our talks on flowers, marketing, politics, people, children, love and life. She was truly a special lady."
That sentiment — that Ecker-Blatchford was one in a million — has been shared around social media this week, as industry members post fond recollections and stories about their interactions with the talented and forward-thinking designer.
Ecker-Blatchford dedicated her life to the floral industry. She worked in her family's floral and greenhouse operation in Waverly, Iowa. In Chicago, Illinois, she later started her own company, The Flora Pros. Over the course of her 60-plus-year career, she became a noted speaker, commentator, award-winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America. She was recognized and honored by many, many industry groups, including the American Institute of Floral Designers, International Floral Expo and the Michigan Floral Association, which inducted her into its prestigious Hall of Fame in 2012. The Society of American Florists recognized her with its 1997 Tommy Bright Award. In 2010, a rose was named in her honor.
As a designer and consultant, Ecker-Blatchford constantly looked for new ways to improve florists' lives and to bring new products and ideas to consumers. For 15 years, she worked with FernTrust, a co-op made up of 13 family farms, in Seville, Florida. One of her signature contributions include the development of the company's Fabulous Foliage bouquet lines, a series of pre-bunched foliage that helped streamline the work of floral designers while introducing consumers to a wider variety of foliage. That line remains popular for FernTrust — and in a year where 'Greenery' is the Pantone Color of the Year and high-end weddings are featuring lush, foliage-only bouquets — has helped cement Ecker-Blatchford's as a true visionary.
Still, for her business savvy and prodigious creative gifts, most industry members are remembering her light-filled spirit and the true joy she took in people, flowers and life.
"Bobbi lit up the room when she walked in and she connected with people in way that few can," said Jana Register, FernTrust's director of sales and marketing, who fondly recalled receiving personalized, very funny letters from Ecker-Blatchford, notes that were often complemented by an artistic sketch. "I was always amazed by her ability to remember even the smallest details of a person's life."
J M.H. Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, who grew up in the industry and knew Ecker-Blatchford as a young child, said he's certain she would want people to remember shared happy moments, and to celebrate rather than mourn.
"When I was a very young kid, maybe six or seven, she told me three things," Schwanke said. "First, she said, 'This is the best business in the world, because we get to turn people's emotions into flowers.' The second thing was, 'You can be the very best at anything, as long as you put your mind to it.' And the third was, 'I'll always be there for you.'"
The most remarkable thing about Ecker-Blatchford, Schwanke said, was that she gave that kind of wholehearted encouragement to everyone she met.
"Every single person she touched was better for it," he explained. "When you were with Bobbi, you felt like the most important person in her world."
A number of memorial and tributes are being planned to honor Ecker-Blatchford's life and contributions to the industry.
A celebration of her life will take place February 18, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Waverly Area Veterans Post.
An upcoming North Central Chapter AIFD newsletter will honor her with a special section — as a tribute to Ecker-Blatchford's love of hats and great style, florists are encouraged to wear a hat on Valentine's Day and send photos to [email protected].
The Michigan Floral Association will hold a Celebration of Life on March 5, 2017 at 8:15 during the 2017 Great Lakes Floral Expo. Before she died Ecker-Blatchford had been planning a "Coffee Chat with Bobbi" for the session time that morning — she already had procured light-up sunglasses to hand out to the audience because, in her view, the future was always bright and filled with potential, Crittenden said, adding that the celebration that morning will honor that spirit.
Ecker-Blatchford is survived by her daughter, Cyndi, and Cyndi's husband, Lyman Campbell; and her son, Bruce, and his wife, Kim Folkers. Her husband, Joe Blatchford, died in 2015.
She married Theodore "Ted" Ecker on Dec. 28, 1947. They later divorced.
She married Josiah "Joe" Blatchford on July 28, 1978. He died Nov. 11, 2015.
Bobbi operated the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was also director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker and a floral consultant to the city of Chicago, Macy's and FernTrust Inc., Seville, Florida.
Bobbi is survived by her children: Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, both Waverly.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Lynn Ecker Barrett.
Celebration of life gathering will be 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Waverly Area Veterans Post. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, Waverly, is assisting the family.
Memorials may be directed to the family or charity of donor's choice.
Condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.
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Barbara 'Bobbi' Ann (Ecker) Blatchford, 85, of Watervliet, Michigan, formerly of the Waverly and Chicago areas, passed away at her home on February 3, 2017.
Bobbi was born August 24, 1931 to William and Eleanor Brunstein. She was united in marriage to Theodore "Ted" Ecker on December 28, 1947, they later divorced. On July 28, 1978 she was united in marriage to Josiah "Joe" Blatchford. Joe passed away on November 11, 2015.
Bobbi devoted her life to the floral industry, first with 30 years as a 2nd generation member of the family business, Ecker's Flowers. She was director of franchisee training for Flowerama of America, a floral design commentator and motivational speaker throughout the United States, and a floral consultant to the City of Chicago, Macy's, and FernTrust, Inc., Seville, FL.
She was highly regarded in the industry having been awarded the American Institute of Floral Designers Fellows Designation, the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry, the Professional Commentators "Tommy Bright" Award of Excellence, Hall of Fame status in the North Central AIFD Regional Chapter, and the Michigan and Nebraska Floral Associations. In 2012, the AIFD North Central Chapter created the "Bobbi Cup" design competition in her honor held annually at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show.
In her 50+ years in the floral industry she was a mentor to many. In addition, she established innovative and cutting edge floral techniques and concepts that are still in use today. She had a passion for marketing and studying trends, and was a lifelong learner and voracious reader.
Bobbi is survived by her children, Cyndi (Lyman) Campbell and Bruce (Kim Folkers) Ecker, Waverly, Iowa. Uncles Art Kurtt and John Kurtt (Laurel) many nieces and nephews and her many, many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lynn Ecker Barrett, aunts Frieda Kurtt, Dorothea Gleason, Marie Meyne, and uncles Erwin Kurtt and Harold Kurtt.
She had a gift for deep relationships with people, and was well known for her lively phone calls and prolific correspondence.
A celebration of life gathering will be 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 18 at the Waverly Area Veterans Post. Prayer Service & Time of Remembrance starting at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Joyce Sandberg of St. Paul's Lutheran Church presiding.
Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family with local arrangements.
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On October 11th the Michigan Floral Foundation (MFF) honored Mrs. Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford AAF, AIFD, PFCI with induction into its Hall of Fame. This special event was held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel located at 187 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2666.
Bobbi Ecker Blatchford's lifelong fascination with the floral industry has resulted in the evolution of a 60 year long career in that industry. Beginning with employment and then ownership of an established family floral and greenhouse operation in Iowa, Bobbi was influenced and inspired by the individuals and product that surrounded her.
After relocating to Chicago, Illinois she began The Flora Pros. As a recognized marketing expert with the understanding of all aspects of the process, she is known for generating new revenue streams through imaginative marketing and cutting edge ideas.
Bobbi is a noted speaker, commentator, award winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America.
Now in her senior years, she continues to bloom where she is planted in a century old cottage and studio in Michigan. Her personal motto is – Be the best that you can be, because that always works.
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Industry Says Good-Bye to Beloved Designer: Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI (Posted By: Mary Westbrookon: February 08, 2017In: Floral Industry News)
Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, passed away unexpectedly last week. "Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association.
Floral industry members around the country — and, really, the world — are saying farewell to Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, the celebrated designer and mentor extraordinaire who died unexpectedly last week.
"Bobbi meant the world to everyone she came in contact with," said Rodney P. Crittenden, CEO and executive vice president of the Michigan Floral Association. "I have been blessed to have had her part of my life for over 30 years. I will miss our talks on flowers, marketing, politics, people, children, love and life. She was truly a special lady."
That sentiment — that Ecker-Blatchford was one in a million — has been shared around social media this week, as industry members post fond recollections and stories about their interactions with the talented and forward-thinking designer.
Ecker-Blatchford dedicated her life to the floral industry. She worked in her family's floral and greenhouse operation in Waverly, Iowa. In Chicago, Illinois, she later started her own company, The Flora Pros. Over the course of her 60-plus-year career, she became a noted speaker, commentator, award-winning floral designer and sought after consultant to manufacturers, growers and distributors in the U.S., Canada and South America. She was recognized and honored by many, many industry groups, including the American Institute of Floral Designers, International Floral Expo and the Michigan Floral Association, which inducted her into its prestigious Hall of Fame in 2012. The Society of American Florists recognized her with its 1997 Tommy Bright Award. In 2010, a rose was named in her honor.
As a designer and consultant, Ecker-Blatchford constantly looked for new ways to improve florists' lives and to bring new products and ideas to consumers. For 15 years, she worked with FernTrust, a co-op made up of 13 family farms, in Seville, Florida. One of her signature contributions include the development of the company's Fabulous Foliage bouquet lines, a series of pre-bunched foliage that helped streamline the work of floral designers while introducing consumers to a wider variety of foliage. That line remains popular for FernTrust — and in a year where 'Greenery' is the Pantone Color of the Year and high-end weddings are featuring lush, foliage-only bouquets — has helped cement Ecker-Blatchford's as a true visionary.
Still, for her business savvy and prodigious creative gifts, most industry members are remembering her light-filled spirit and the true joy she took in people, flowers and life.
"Bobbi lit up the room when she walked in and she connected with people in way that few can," said Jana Register, FernTrust's director of sales and marketing, who fondly recalled receiving personalized, very funny letters from Ecker-Blatchford, notes that were often complemented by an artistic sketch. "I was always amazed by her ability to remember even the smallest details of a person's life."
J M.H. Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, who grew up in the industry and knew Ecker-Blatchford as a young child, said he's certain she would want people to remember shared happy moments, and to celebrate rather than mourn.
"When I was a very young kid, maybe six or seven, she told me three things," Schwanke said. "First, she said, 'This is the best business in the world, because we get to turn people's emotions into flowers.' The second thing was, 'You can be the very best at anything, as long as you put your mind to it.' And the third was, 'I'll always be there for you.'"
The most remarkable thing about Ecker-Blatchford, Schwanke said, was that she gave that kind of wholehearted encouragement to everyone she met.
"Every single person she touched was better for it," he explained. "When you were with Bobbi, you felt like the most important person in her world."
A number of memorial and tributes are being planned to honor Ecker-Blatchford's life and contributions to the industry.
A celebration of her life will take place February 18, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Waverly Area Veterans Post.
An upcoming North Central Chapter AIFD newsletter will honor her with a special section — as a tribute to Ecker-Blatchford's love of hats and great style, florists are encouraged to wear a hat on Valentine's Day and send photos to [email protected].
The Michigan Floral Association will hold a Celebration of Life on March 5, 2017 at 8:15 during the 2017 Great Lakes Floral Expo. Before she died Ecker-Blatchford had been planning a "Coffee Chat with Bobbi" for the session time that morning — she already had procured light-up sunglasses to hand out to the audience because, in her view, the future was always bright and filled with potential, Crittenden said, adding that the celebration that morning will honor that spirit.
Ecker-Blatchford is survived by her daughter, Cyndi, and Cyndi's husband, Lyman Campbell; and her son, Bruce, and his wife, Kim Folkers. Her husband, Joe Blatchford, died in 2015.
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