David van Wingerden of Express Seed passes away

Express Seed Company announced that David van Wingerden passed away on January 15 after a 19-month battle with leukemia.

Growing up alongside his siblings in the greenhouse business founded by his father, John van Wingerden, developed a love for the horticultural industry early on and recognized the importance of vertical integration within the industry’s global supply chain. He, along with the team at Express Seed, was a conduit for long-lasting global business relationships that will continue to connect growers in North America to best-in-class plant varieties, genetics and production worldwide.

van Wingerden 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. He advised several local farms regarding the production of different vegetables, fruits, flowers and dairy products. He established Genesis Farms for vegetable production and helped Alema Farms, a chicken hatchery and feed company, get their start.

"The horticultural industry has suffered a great loss in David’s passing," says 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."

"We’ve lost a son, brother, friend and fellow business partner," say John van Wingerden, CJ van Wingerden and Scott Giesbrecht. "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." 

To read van Wingerden’s obituary, click here.