John W. Gander, founder of BFG Supply, passes away at 102

BFG Supply is saddened to announce the recent passing of their founder, John W. Gander. Mr. Gande, who was 102 at the time of his passing according to a press release, incorporated Burton Flower Garden in 1972 and the distribution division known as BFG Supply Co. was added in 1975. Mr. Gander remained as the Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1998. His vision of providing horticultural supplies throughout the Great Lakes region continues to be a primary focus of BFG today.

In addition to his professional contributions to the horticultural industry, Mr. Gander’s personal accomplishments and years of community service are wide reaching. His legacy includes past president and 14 year member of Geauga Co. Board of Education, Member of Ohio University Parents Advisory Committee 1963-1966 (while Marilyn, his daughter, was a student) and 60-year member and past president of Burton Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, he was Chairman of Burton Chamber Beautification Committee that is responsible for flowers and hanging baskets in park and village and member and past President of Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club with 60 years perfect attendance. He was organizer, member, and past president of Badger Booster Club, initiated the elementary athletic programs, the Football Roundup, the Basketball Jamboree and the Wrestling Rodeo. He coordinated construction and original lighting of football and stadium in 1958.

He also provided funding and construction of a baseball field for Berkshire High School. John W. Gander Field was completed and dedicated in 1993 with Cleveland Indians pitcher Mel Harder throwing out the first pitch. He was organizer, member and past president of the Tunebackers (Berkshire Band Boosters); received the Burton Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1967; received the Badger Booster Club Outstanding Service Award in 1975; named Geauga Co Farmer of the year in 1973 by Cleveland Farmers’ Club.

He appeared in 1969 edition of Outstanding Civic Leaders of America, published by U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Co-chairman of Fundraising Committee to build Geauga Branch of Kent State University, was instrumental in BFG Supply Co, building the horticulture greenhouse at Kent State University campus in Burton; Co-chairman of Building Committee for the new addition to the Burton Log Cabin; Charter member of the Greater Geauga Ruritan Club, long-time member of Burton Congregational Church, lifetime member and supporter of Geauga Historical Society; 55 year member of Burton Masonic Lodge, 70 year die-hard Cleveland Indians Fan with season tickets for the last 30-plus years. He had the honor of throwing out the first pitch in a game at Jacob’s Field.

Together with wife Helen, helped sponsor Reading Garden at Burton Public Library in 2003; was a unanimous choice to be inducted into the initial class of the Berkshire Athletic Hall of Fame. He continued keenly interested in business, politics, athletics, and ‘all things family."