The Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service Award was established to recognize and honor individuals who have made or continue to make substantial contributions in the floral industry and have shown distinguished service that exemplifies the integrity, fairness, perseverance, and decisiveness of Leland T. Kintzele, president of WFFSA from 1963 to 1965.
The LTK Award is presented to one individual who meets the following four criteria:
- Exhibits distinguished service that exemplifies the integrity, fairness, perseverance, and decisiveness of Leland T.
- Demonstrates dedication, ability, and initiative to a degree that sets him or her apart from contemporaries; is known in the industry and is beyond personal or professional reproach.
- Has made significant contributions to the welfare and progress of wholesale florists in particular and the floral industry in general, making a substantial and lasting impact on the industry.
- Was or continues to be a member and supporter of WFFSA.
Any member may nominate an individual to receive the award. Companies are not eligible. Nominations must include specific reasons for the nomination and be accompanied by at least two corroborating letters of recommendation. The final selection of the award recipient will be at the sole discretion of the WFFSA Board of Directors. The recipient of this prestigious honor will receive a distinctive award created especially for WFFSA. The LTK award is presented at each year’s WFFSA Floral Distribution Conference in Miami, FL. Please direct any questions and nominations to Molly Alton Mullins.
Past Recipients of the LTK Award
2024 - Patrick Dahlson
2023 - Robert Shibata
2022 - David Garcia
2021 - Augusto Solano
2019 - David Armellini
2018 - Peter Moran
2017 - Dave Gaul
2016 - Charles Walton
2015 - Len Levy
2014 - Gary Doran
2013 - Jim Wanko
2012 - Paul Zieger
2011 - Peter Bilicki
2010 - Alan H. Jacobson "Buddy"
2009 - Dave Mears (Posthumous)
2007 - Dwight Larimer
2006 - Robert M. Wilkins
2005 - James Hill
2004 - Arlene Sorensen
2003 - Walter Rojahn, Jr.
2002 - Jose Maria "Pepe" De La Torre
2001 - Harrison "Red" Kennicott
2000 - Neil Canine
1999 - Erwin Weder (Posthumous)
- 1998 - Del Demaree, Jr.
- 1997 - Jules A. Armellini
- 1996 - Pete Garcia
- 1995 - Walter L. Preston
- 1994 - Herman Meinders
- 1993 - William C. Belden
- 1992 - E.O. Brody
- 1991 - Knud Neilsen, Jr.
- 1990 - Mabel Claprood Simmons
- 1989 - Frank Kuwahara
- 1988 - James O. Nordlie
- 1987 - Jacob Van Namen
- 1986 - William B. Arnett
- 1985 - Vernon L. Smithers (Posthumous)
- 1983 - Donald E. Hook
- 1982 - Harrison Kennicott, Jr.
- 1981 - John Van Hanford, Jr.
- 1980 - P.S. Cook
- 1979 - Oscar G. Carlstedt (Posthumous)
- 1978 - Robert C. Dewey
- 1977 - O. Ben Haley, Jr.
- 1976 - George E. Wolfe, Jr.
- 1975 - Yoshimi Shibata
- 1974 - John Henry Dudley
- 1973 - Samuel S. Pennock III