Obituary: A Tribute To Jack McConkey
September 9, 2008 
Jack McConkey, founder of plastic pot manufacturer J.M. McConkey & Co., died Sept. 3 in Shelton, Wash., at age 86. Jack bought McLean Bulb Farms in 1964, changed the name to J.M. McConkey & Co. and built the company into one of the leaders in plastic container development for the industry.
Jack and his wife, Elaine, received many awards for their work with the company, including the WaFlorA Cup, the most prestigious award presented by the Washington Floricultural Association. Jack and Elaine received the award in 1990 for demonstrating extraordinary commitment and service to the industry.
A year after Elaine died in 1992, Jack retired from daily activity in the company and married his lifetime friend, Betty. They spent the last 15 years together in Hood Canal, Wash., where Jack’s ashes are being spread. A celebration of his life will be held at the Tacoma Yacht Club at noon Oct. 30.
Memorial donations may be made to the Elaine McConkey Endowment Fund, c/o Swedish Foundation.
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