Mike Suyeyasu, AAF, a dedicated and forward-thinking industry member and longtime Society of American Florists leader, passed away on January 1 from complications of West Nile Virus. He was 85.
Suyeyasu was a former President of Bill Suyeyasu Wholesale Florist in Fremont, California. He worked in his family’s flower business for 47 years and was honored as Wholesaler of the Year from Michigan State Florist Association, California State Florist Association, and CalFlowers.
Suyeyasu served in leadership roles for many industry associations throughout his career. He was a member of SAF’s Wholesalers Council and board of directors and also was active with the Consolidated Flower Shippers, CalFlowers, the Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association, the American Floral Endowment and Promoflor, among other groups.
Suyeyasu is survived by Becky, his wife of 35 years; daughters Robin Thomas (Don), Traci Conner (Skip); stepchildren Kimberly Foulks, and Wendy Furthmiller (Jay); grandchild Kevin; step grandchildren Ashley, Lindsey, Madison, and Mason; great grandson Cameron; brother Ted (Ann); and sisters Shinako (Nob) and Mamie. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill (Aiko), his sister Molly (Min); and his parents, George and Toshiko.
Memorial Services will be held at Las Vegas Buddhist Sangha Center in North Las Vegas, Nevada on January 22, and at Buddhist Church of San Francisco in San Francisco, California on February 1.
Mary Westbrook is the editor in chief of Floral Management.
