Paul Leonard Daum of Miami, Florida passed away December 31st 2020. Paul has been recognized by many as the “Father of the Latin American Flower Industry.” Paul Daum was involved in horticulture his entire life since childhood. He dedicated over 50 years of his life to the founding and development of global floriculture primarily in the United States, Central and South America. Paul was a technical representative for the Fred C. Gloeckner Co. from 1957 to 2004. He was known to have amassed one of the most complete libraries of both scientific and practical horticulture material – a library he freely shared with the industry. Even during retirement in Costa Rica, Paul established a consulting company and continued to work with growers, breeders and importers.
Paul graduated in horticulture from Ohio State after his service during WWII. Paul was a proud veteran of WWII. Paul enlisted with the US Navy-Submarine Service and was involved in both the Pacific and the Atlantic theaters.
Born in Canton, Ohio, Paul is survived by his sons Steven Daum of Smithers-Oasis/Floralife, Andre Daum, his three grandsons and two great grandchildren. Paul was married to his wife Miriam Daum for over 50 years and they shared a life together both in Miami and in Costa Rica.
As quoted by an industry leader, “Paul Daum was always giving sound horticultural advice to the small, to the big, to the rich and to the poor.” Paul Daum was instrumental in developing a prime export business in Latin America and the United Sates to which he was personally proud of the fact that it provided so many jobs in so many countries.