Great Lakes Floral Foundation Inducts Bob Patterson CF into Hall of Fame!
Great Lakes Floral Foundation Inducts
Bob Patterson CF into Hall of Fame!
Haslett, MI (October 30, 2024) - On the evening of October 28, 2025, the Great Lakes Floral Foundation inducted Bob Patterson CF, owner of Patterson’s Flowers in Big Rapids, Reed City and Cadillac, MI into the Hall of Fame.
This distinguished recognition honors Bob for his significant contributions to the floral industry, as well as his steadfast support of the Great Lakes Floral Association (GLFA), Great Lakes Floral Foundation (GLFF), and the Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo (GLFEE). Bob has served two terms as president of the GLFA (1996 and 2013–2015) and previously chaired the GLFF, demonstrating a career-long commitment to advancing the floral profession and supporting both fellow florists and his local community. In addition to his professional achievements, Bob is dedicated to the 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp, where he has provided leadership for over three decades in various roles.
The event took place in the Kindel Room at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Proceedings began at 6:00 p.m. with a reception attended by more than 75 guests who enjoyed appetizers, refreshments, and engaging conversation. The evening was hosted by Hall of Fame member Alice Waterous AIFD, CF, PFCI, and featured presentations from Rodney Crittenden AAF, Doug Vos, Kristi Flatt, Kathy Petz AAF, CF, PFCI, Mary Ann Kutnick, David Martin, Laura Potter-Niesen, Justin Videto, and Amanda Kincade. Mary Ann Kutnick delighted the crowd with this special poem.
Twas the night in Grand Rapids
We’ve all waited for
To honor our friend
Whom we all adore!
You’re chosen tonight
Join the best of the best
You’re our floral champion
We all can attest!
Your Midwest friends
Were quick to agree
Our group is impressed
And as proud as can be!
We’ve come from Chicago,
Philly… Vegas too,
From Nashville and Atlanta
To celebrate with you!
Your family from Florida
Came to join in the fun
We all wanted to be here
When the party’s begun!
Your great award
2025 Hall of Fame
Great Lakes Floral Foundation
Is why we all came!
For every committee
You’ve volunteered for
The time, the travel,
And so much more.
Your endless desire
To do your best
Your smile and energy
We have all witnessed!
From floral design classes
To summer camp cook,
From Midwest Group Chair
Where ever we look…
There is Bob
To lend a hand
Our faithful friend
Beside us stands
Always a smile
Happy and cheery
Whatever it takes
No rest for the weary!
You so deserve this
We all agree
Congratulations to you, Bob
And the Patterson family
To the Patterson staff
Congrats to you too
Continued success
In all that you do!
Tonight, Deb and your parents
Look down from above
Their hearts filled with pride
Their hearts filled with love.
At the conclusion of the evening, Foundation Chair Teresa Cytlak presented Bob with the Hall of Fame medallion and award, commending him as highly deserving. She described him as an individual who consistently works diligently behind the scenes, completes tasks efficiently, and maintains a keen sense of observation.
The Great Lakes Floral Foundation thanks Kennicott Brothers Company (Diamond Presenting sponsor), The Midwest Floral Group and Teleflora (Gold sponsors), and Esprit Miami, FloraCraft, and Norman Smith Enterprises (Friends of the Foundation sponsors). Special thanks to Kristi Flatt, Dan & Carol Cruz for the decor, and Kennicott Brothers Company for providing flowers.
If you would like honor Bob on his induction into the Hall of Fame with a monetary donation you may do so online at: https://greatlakesfloralassociation.org/product/wc-donation-great-lakes-floral-foundation
View Slideshow of the event here:
https://superiorimagesllc.pic-time.com/_pt_konjI5gBdO9io
The Great Lakes Floral Foundation (GLFF) has been established to support & advance the floral industry; it's members and the communities they serve. The Foundation meets this responsibility through educational opportunities and community enrichment activities. The GLFF will periodically honor outstanding members of the floral industry who have mentored and inspired their fellow industry members. The Great Lakes Floral Foundation Hall of Fame has been established to record the contributions of those so honored. The Foundation will support and encourage educational opportunities between the public and design professionals approved by the GLFF board of directors. These programs will be available at a reasonable charge to nonprofit community organizations. The Foundation will also make available financial assistance to those seeking to become a Certified Florist, such as providing matching funds when candidates purchase their study materials. For more information on GLFF, visit their web site at www.greatlakesfloralassociation.org Foundation Tab.