American Floral Endowment Mourns Passing of Bob Williams
Bob Williams
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has announced a new memorial tribute in memory of Robert “Bob” Williams II. Smithers-Oasis CEO Robin Kilbride, along with Red & Katie Kennicott of Kennicott Brothers Co., established the fund.
Williams II, former Vice President of North American Operations for Smithers-Oasis, passed away on Sept. 27, 2021, at the age of 75. He was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in March 2020.
Bob was an industry champion, active volunteer leader, and business expert. He graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Vermont in 1969. He completed some graduate-level work at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia. While there, he focused on strategic marketing, managing channel conflict, and managing critical resources. He completed a Certificate in Management in 1998.
Bob’s early career was at Sherwin Williams, where he became Director of Sales and Marketing, Consumer Brands Division, which he held for 10 years. In 1997, he left Sherwin Williams to work for Smithers-Oasis, a global manufacturer and marketer of floral foam, postharvest products, growing media, temperature-controlled packaging, and floral accessory products – entering the floral industry where he would devote the rest of his career.
“Unlike many of us, Bob joined the flower industry in mid-career,” says Harrison “Red” Kennicott, Chairman of Kennicott Brothers Company. “He hit the ground running and never stopped. Bob made a difference for his company, for the flower industry, and for all of those whom he touched.”
Over the course of 19 years, Bob rose in the ranks from Director of Sales and Marketing to General Manager of North American Operations to Vice President of North American Operations and Co-Owner.
“Whether I was Bob’s subordinate, peer, or boss, his character was consistent,” Kilbride says. “Whatever the challenge, Bob always found a way to look at the glass as half full. And he had a heart for making the world a better place by helping others be successful.”
Throughout his career at Smithers-Oasis, Bob became more deeply involved in the floral industry by devoting time to AFE, the Society of American Florists, and the Wholesale Florist and Florist Supplier Association. He took on many volunteer leadership roles and became an incredible advocate for the industry.
Bob and the entire Smithers-Oasis team continuously supported the industry through their commitment to the Endowment, attending annual dinners and funding AFE’s programs. As longtime supporters, they frequently sponsored AFE’s initiatives and mission.
At SAF, Bob participated on committees, councils, and the executive board, including serving as President and Chairman. He was also an enthusiastic participant and advocate of Congressional Action Days.
Additionally, Bob served as Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee of the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association (WF&FSA)’s Board and volunteered as a mentor and speaker at their Management Institutes.
Most recently, Bob was awarded the 2021 Paul Ecke Jr. Award by SAF, noting his service to the floral industry and community. He was honored at the 2021 SAF Convention in Orlando on Thursday, Sept. 23, but because Bob was unable to attend the convention in person, the SAF team and other industry leaders surprised him with the award on August 26 in Ohio.
After retirement from Smithers-Oasis, Bob continued to support the industry with consulting work. He worked with Kennicott Brothers Co. from 2016-2020. Bob’s advice was highly valued, and he shared his deep perception of the dynamics of the floral industry.
Bob’s passion for building relationships and connections was shown in every aspect of his very full life. He leaves a legacy of volunteerism and commitment to the industry. Even after retiring, Bob stayed connected and continued to share his expertise.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years Diane Williams, three children, and five grandchildren.
Contributions to honor Bob can be made here or by sending a check to American Floral Endowment, c/o Bob Williams Memorial Tribute, 625 First Street, PMB 803, Alexandria, VA 22314.
You can view Bob Williams’s obituary here.
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