Peter F. Ullrich, a floral industry icon, passed away on June 29th surrounded by loved ones after a difficult battle with cancer.

Peter was born in Bad Wildungen, Germany in 1942 where his parents operated a small flower shop. He moved to the United States in 1962 with just $200 and a dream. In the late 60�s, along with many other part time jobs, he began to make extra money wholesaling flowers. Twice a week Peter would drive his tiny MGB to the airport and load up the little car with two or three boxes of flowers and sell them from store to store.

In 1972, Peter was one of the first growers to establish a presence in Latin America opening Flores Esmeralda in Medellin, Colombia. Over the next 4 decades he expanded his growing empire to include additional Esmeralda farms and breeding operations in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and Africa. Marketing arms for these farms were opened in Miami and Holland. His farms and companies have supported tens of thousands of families throughout these countries over the past 44 years. Outside of flowers, he has been involved in other entrepreneurial endeavors including serving as the CEO of EAU Technologies, a groundbreaking company that is the world�s leading provider of electrolyzed water.

Peter was honored to have received the 2006 Society of American Florists Gold Medal Achievement award and the 2008 WFFSA�s LTK distinguished service award. His unparalleled passion and vision were an inspiration to all of those who had the opportunity to know him.

He leaves behind, his beloved wife, Clarisse Ullrich of Amelia Island, Florida, two sons, Peter F. Ullrich Jr. and his wife, Shannon of Austin, Texas, Stephen Ullrich and his wife, Rafaela of Miami, FL, a daughter, Monica Ullrich and her husband, Kim of Miami Beach, FL, a brother, Alex Ullrich and his wife, Ida of Costa Rica, four grandchildren, Natasha, Yasmina, Alex and Max as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ullrich will be laid to rest at a later date on the grounds of Esmeralda Farms.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution at www.pledgeling.com/organizations/6938/independent-cancer-research-founda�.