Gardener’s Supply Company has released a statement concerning the death of the company founder Will Raap.
It is with both reverence and sadness that the employee-owners of Gardener’s Supply Company say goodbye to our beloved founder, Will Raap, who passed away on December 12th.
Will was a visionary whose mission was to improve the world. Through his work and his legacy at Gardener’s Supply Company, Will believed that gardening could do just that, by nourishing the body, elevating the spirit, growing stronger communities, and making powerful connections with our planet.
One of the greatest legacies that Will built at Gardener’s was offering ownership of the company to the employees, beginning in 1987. Our employee-ownership has allowed us to continue operating as a mission-driven business, staying true to the core values that Will envisioned for the company. Gardener’s Supply became 100% employee-owned on the winter solstice in 2009. Every year, on the winter solstice we celebrate our history, recommit to our mission — and will continue, now, to remember Will and the immeasurable impact he has made, in our company and in the world.
At the moment, the cause of his death is unknown to us.
Melissa Zavala said: I’m so sorry for this loss to Mr. Raap’s family, friends, company employee-owners, and loyal customers. The products of his vision have offered this gardener and composter a good selection of supplies to facilitate the challenging but rewarding work in the city.
Lynn Hanberry Worrell said: He left a great legacy that will live on as long as we nurture it. There is a piece of his estate in every customer’s garden, big or small.
So sad to hear this. I’m a long-time customer. I didn’t realize the company was an employee owned and how wonderful of him to offer that! He has left a lovely legacy.
Unfortunate news, I was walking through the garden looking at many of my purchases over this and past years… many helpful additions that both help and make my garden look much better.