In Memoriam: Bill Van Houten

Chris Beytes

William “Bill” van Houten, co-founder of bulb and plant supplier Abbott-IPCO in Dallas, Texas, with business partner Harry Hollander, passed away peacefully on May 24 while visiting his homeland, the Netherlands.

Bill was one of the pioneers of the Dutch bulb trade in North America. He and Harry worked together at Van Zyverden Bulb Company in the Netherlands. Harry was first sent here in 1965 to establish a foothold in the American Market and a short time later Bill joined him. In 1974, they set up their own company, International Products Company—the “IPCO” that they joined to “Abbott,” which they purchased in 1981. Bill spent 42 years as VP of Abbott-IPCO, retiring in 2016. Over his long career and even after his retirement, he was a tireless promoter of Dutch bulbs and Florida caladiums (from their partner, Classic Caladiums).  GT