Long-time business associate and friend Lisa Oliver shares her memories and warm sentiments for Larry Boven. They worked together for years while she was the plant buyer for the Franks nursery and craft chain and often attended the California Pack Trials together.

Delilah asked me to write a few words about Larry Boven. That is a tough one, putting it in just a few words. 

Larry was not only one of my vendors he was a true business partner and trusted friend. As a new merchant at Franks, many years ago, Larry was always willing and eager to try something new to drive sales. Our quests led us on a yearly pilgrimage to the California Pack Trials. We were like kids in a candy store that first year. The second year and every subsequent year, he was my voice of reason, or should I say, “grower reason.” He would help to ground all the ideas I came up with, and there were many, making sure they were actionable from a Northern production standpoint. Good news for all the growers in my network!

The Pack Trials were our opportunity to see and share one another’s worlds. He would accompany me to numerous retailers along the way. It was quite eye opening when he watched a shopper vacillate between a Proven Winners bacopa and a generic bacopa, only to walk away with the Proven Winner. I, in turn, would learn first hand the challenges of producing these California beauties in the less than optimum conditions of the north.            

Those trips to California will always be cherished. Larry enjoyed the social opportunities as much as I loved to see the new flower varieties. And of course, I can’t forget the food. That was one of Larry’s highlights. We had a ritual each year, always stopping for fresh strawberries along the way. And the evening buffets were his favorite. 

Larry was the vendor of the year, the last season Franks was in operation. His service, quality and selection were second to none. He encouraged his team to strive for perfection. Larry was a true team player in that he also shared with other growers, sometime even those competing with him, as an integral partner in our grower council.

Nonetheless, Larry was much more than a business partner, he was a true friend. To this day my husband still talks about our fishing trip to Lake Michigan where they had their quota of salmon before 10 a.m. Not to mention the helicopter flights and jaunts to lunch in nearby towns. We never did have a chance to do all the things we talked about. We were still waiting for Larry and Barb to visit us in our cabin up north. We will be thinking of him this fall as the colors turn, as I know that he enjoyed those rides with his wife.

Larry will always have a special spot in my heart. He was a free sprit, full of “big ideas” and a zest for life. He was there through the good times and bad and never stopped believing in me. For that, I will always be grateful. He loved our industry and cherished his family. Larry will forever live on in my memories.