In Memoriam: Robert “Rob” Day

Chris Beytes

Jim Day of leafy green producer Suncrest USA sent the belated news of the passing of his brother Rob Day. Rob, called a “grower’s grower” by his brother, passed away unexpectedly on January 4 in Orlando, where he was a senior grower at Dewar’s Nurseries. Rob was just 68.

Rob graduated magna cum laude in horticulture from Cornell University, then worked for Vaughan-Jacklin Seed in Chicago before relocating to Waxahachie, Texas, where he became well known in the Texas greenhouse industry for his engaging personality and savvy salesmanship.

In 1985, Rob and his wife purchased a greenhouse operation in Denton, Texas, naming it Suncrest Growers. Together they made a name for themselves growing millions of bedding and ornamental plants each year for the Dallas area landscapers and garden centers.

The business was hit hard by the 2008-2009 recession, and so in 2013, Jim and Rob launched Suncrest USA, Inc. to produce hydroponic lettuce for local markets. Suncrest currently operates in Seattle and San Francisco. GT