Michigan State Horticultural Society

Distinguished Service Award

 

Keith Warren was an active member of the industry throughout his life. Prior to his death, he farmed apples and cherries on the family farm on the Old mission Peninsula in Traverse City. He left behind a legacy of growing high-quality fruit and a deep love for Michigan’s fruit industry and its members.

 

As a strong supporter of the state’s fruit industry, Keith was involved in many of Michigan’s industry organizations and was a life member of the Michigan State Horticultural Society. He was a founding member of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station, and served on the Research Station Board of Directors for 25 years. Keith also was a member of the Michigan Association of Cherry Producers, National Red Cherry Institute and the Grand Traverse Fruit Council. He was on the Board of Directors for Farmers Mutual Insurance and was a life-long member of the Farm Bureau.

 

Keith received numerous recognitions throughout his life, including an award for outstanding service to the fruit industry of Michigan. He worked 30 years as an agricultural chemical representative, retiring in 2000 from Wilbur Ellis.

 

In addition to his dedication and involvement in industry organizations, Keith was an avid hunter and enjoyed many special times at his deer hunting camp in the Upper Peninsula.

 

Keith’s sense of humor will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren. Married for 57 years, Keith and his wife, Jean, raised four children on the family’s farm. They have 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

 

It is with great pleasure that the Michigan State Horticultural Society extends the 2005 Distinguished Award to his family for Keith’s many years of dedication to our industry. He will be fondly remembered for his strong work ethic and love of the land, as well as his pride in growing quality fruit. Accepting the award for Keith will be his wife, Jean, and son, Gary.