In Memoriam: David van Wingerden

Chris Beytes

We’re very sorry to report the passing of David van Wingerden of Green Circle Growers and Express Seed on January 15, after a 19-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was just 51.

The son of John van Wingerden, founder of Green Circle, David grew up alongside his siblings in the greenhouse business, developing a love for the horticultural industry early on.

David attended The Master’s University in southern California, where he studied Business and Biblical Counseling. It’s also where he met his wife, Keri. They graduated and married in 1995. They spent 16 months in Ethiopia for work and ministry, advising local farmers, before returning to Ohio to start their family.

David began his career in the family companies in 1997 at Green Circle Growers. He eventually made the switch to Express Seed and became COO in 2006. More recently, he took on the additional role of CIO.

David always said that one of the secrets to success is rooted within strong relationships that drive the best value from the entire supply chain. He pursued this vision relentlessly.

Said his father John, brother CJ and brother-in-law Scott     Giesbrecht, “We’ve lost a son, brother, friend and fellow business partner. This is a sorrowful time after his courageous battle against leukemia. We will miss him dearly. We thank everyone who has supported David and his family during his 19-month battle with leukemia.”

“The horticultural industry has suffered a great loss in David’s passing,” said Scott Valentine, CEO of Express Seed. “We will honor his memory and contributions by continuing to carry on his compelling passion, dedication and energy to serving the horticultural industry.” GT