Paul Shinoda Jr., a past president of the Society of American Florists’ board of directors, died July 20. He was 83.
Shinoda’s career in the horticulture industry began in the early 1960’s when he worked with his father at the family’s business, San Lorenzo Nursery, in Torrance, California. In 1970, Shinoda and his wife purchased a nursery business, later known as Shinoda Floral, which would become one of the largest domestic producers of African violets.
Shinoda was also active in government affairs and in 1976 was elected to a seat in the Washington State House of Representatives.
He served as president of SAF’s board of directors from 1985 to 1987. Sten Crissey, AAF, also a past SAF president, described Shinoda as a “force of nature.”
“Paul never accepted the status quo as sacrosanct,” Crissey says. “If you listened carefully to Paul, you were bound to learn something.”
Shinoda was a great asset to SAF, Crissey says. He never missed SAF’s Congressional Action Days and brought the organization new faces and fresh changes – at least one of which is still in effect today. Crissey recalled how Shinoda eliminated head tables at SAF gatherings and dispersed leaders to sit with members, a practice that continues.
Shinoda was an advocate of the industry down to his last request: “In lieu of contributions, please send flowers.”
Read the full tribute to Shinoda here.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF Now.
