Bruce Usrey, former Monrovia CEO, dies

Monrovia announced the passing of its former CEO, Bruce Ursey. For nearly fifty years Bruce guided the growth and expansion of Monrovia, the largest grower of premium container plants in the U.S.

After serving in the United States Air Force, he joined Monrovia in 1968 and managed plant production. From 1986 to 1998, he was chief operating officer, overseeing the company’s expansion of new growing locations in Dayton, Ore., and Visalia, Calif. In 1998, Bruce was named president and later, in 2002, chief executive officer.

Under his leadership Monrovia saw another surge in growth with its merger with Wight and Berryhill Nurseries, adding three East Coast growing fields to Monrovia’s production. In recent years, Bruce served as a managing director of the company, and was based in Dayton, Oregon. "Bruce was a true horticultural craftsman," said Miles Rosedale, CEO of Monrovia. "He will be greatly missed."

Bruce is survived by his wife, Susie, who has also worked for Monrovia for nearly 40 years.