A memorial tribute has been demonstrate through the American Floral Endowment ( AFE ) honoring industriousness leader and trailblazer Kenneth ( Ken ) Royer , AAF of Royer ’s Flowers & Gifts , who pass away on December 14 , 2023 at the long time of 92 .
It was his mother , Hannah , who start up what is now quaternary - generation kin - owned Royer ’s Flowers & Gifts in 1937 . But Kenneth Royer proved to be an industry pioneer in his own right hand during a 60 - year career with the fellowship .
As he was growing up , Ken helped by delivering flower to customers . After graduate from Michigan State University in 1951 with an AA level in Floriculture , he joined the clientele full - time , eventually growing it into one of the largest retail flower store in the United States . presently , with 15 locations in Pennsylvania and three in Ohio , Ken ’s legacy and family business is observe alive through the leadership of two of his sons and three of his grandsons .
Ken was one of the first florist in the country to implement computerized systems for multi - shop process and was among the first florists to import flowers directly from South America . His business strategies were so successful that in 1998 , he publish the book , ‘ Retailing Flowers Profitably , ’ and make dozens of seminars on topics from marketing to management and post - harvest care . He also wrote a Florists ’ Review magazine tower , “ Royer on Retail , ” for 14 years .
Ken spoke at over 50 conducting wire service and other flower store meetings , bring home the bacon educational sessions on marketing and business direction . His direction school of thought , ethic , and consignment to allow for his customers with good economic value became part of not only the Royer ’s squad but one thousand of retailer nationwide .
Outside of the family patronage , Ken actively volunteer his fourth dimension and expertness . He function on several boards , including both AFE and the Society of American Florists ( SAF ) . He dish up the Endowment for ten yr as a board member , with six age as Treasurer from 1988 to 1994 . Through AFE , he established the Hannah and Lester Royer Memorial Fund in honor of his parent – highlighting multiple generation of giving back .
Ken also answer as commission death chair for the American Floral Marketing Council ; he encouraged the chemical group to advertise non - holiday issue to work up these sales ; he was instrumental in get the “ bloom are deserving a Thousand Words ” run , which focus on using efflorescence to celebrate everyday occasions .
In 2008 , Ken and Jean started the Royer Family Charitable Foundation . Ken would tell people that the life-time attainment of which he was most proud is the oeuvre of the Foundation . The Foundation has contributed pregnant dollars to projects that work to improve the quality of people ’s lives in Lancaster , Harrisburg , Carlisle , Sierra Leone , Liberia , and Haiti .
It ’s no wonder that such an pioneer and manufacture champion was wide recognize for his impactful piece of work . AFE has previously reward him with a Living Tribute . In 1983 , he was induct into the American Academy of Floriculture and constitute Pennsylvania Retail Florist of the Year . Other recognition let in SAF ’s Golden Bouquet Award ( 1986 ) , Inc. Magazine ’s Entrepreneur Award ( 1993 ) , Teleflora Lifetime Achievement Award ( 2001 ) , FTD ’s Lifetime Achievement Award ( 2004 ) , and the Floriculture Hall of Fame ( 2021 ) .
His legacy will be on through the many concern that he touched as well as through his family . He was married for 58 years to the former Jean Beckley , who snuff it in May 2010 . Kenneth and Jean had six children , all of whom survive them : Rebecca ( David ) Fuchs , Lancaster ; William ( Joyce Messere ) , Lafayette Hills , PA ; Thomas ( Cindy Essis ) , Hummelstown , PA ; Gregory ( Amy Bomberger ) , Lititz , PA ; Michael ( Julie Arnold ) , Lebanon , PA ; Jonathan ( Tammy Poczak ) , Mechanicsburg , PA .
Funeral religious service will be held Thursday , December 28 , 2023 , at 12:00 p.m. from Kreamer Funeral Home & Crematory , Inc. , 618 E. Main St. Annville , PA.Ken ’s obituary and additional service detail can be found here .
This Memorial Tribute Fund has been established to honour Kenneth and his legacy always . Contributions to the Kenneth Royer Memorial Tribute can be madeonline here , or by sending a bridle withthis formto :
American Floral Endowmentc / o Kenneth Royer Memorial Tribute610 Madison Street , Suite 101 , PMB 803Alexandria , VA 22314
