ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, one of the giants of the American seed industry fell silent. Thomas (Tom) Burrus (68) died at his home in Arenzville, Illinois. He is survived by Marcy, his wife and companion of 48 years; two daugh- ters, Lori and Gail; four grandchildren; and brother Todd. Tom and Todd are third generation owners of Burrus Seed. Founded in 1935 by their grandfather Wilbur and great- uncle Roy, the brothers continued the original Burrus mission: belief in the value of service and integrity. Tom’s life exem- plified that mission. Tom was actively involved in both his local community and the seed industry. He served on several boards including two terms as a board member and 2006 president of Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA). He was a board member of Illinois Crop Improvement Association and served 33 years as a board member – with six years as board chairman – of Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc. His dedication to the independent seed industry was recognized by numer- ous accolades including the 2010 IPSA Industry Service Award, an Honorary Life Member Award from the Illinois Seed Trade Association and induction in March 2010, into the Jacksonville (Illinois) Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Industry Hall of Fame. SW A giant of a seedsman has fallen silent. Joe Funk jfunk@issuesink.com TOM BURRUS1949–2017 INDUSTRY TRIBUTES “Tom lived his life with enthusiasm and encouragement to all. He loved conversation. The manner in which he asked questions was evidence of his genuine interest in others. Known for putting farmers’ needs first, Tom truly believed in the value of service and integrity. His passion for the seed business was both obvious and infectious and will leave an indelible mark on the industry he loved.” —Todd Martin, IPSA Executive Director & CEO “I have known Tom for over 38 years and I highly respected Tom for his honesty, integrity and commitment to the industry. He promoted what and who he believed in. Tom’s life was exemplified by his strident support and unwavering advocacy of the independent seed industry and the farmers they served. He always had a smile on his face, and you were glad to see him.” —Craig Newman, President and CEO, AgReliant Genetics-Retired “We knew him as a leader who was very well respected by his peers, colleagues and competitors. Tom was always ready to provide insight and guidance when dealing with issues that impacted the American seed industry.” —Andy LaVigne, President & CEO ASTA “I’ve known Tom for nearly 30 years as a supplier, customer, competitor and most of all, a friend. The first time I met Tom was at a trade show in Missouri. Even though he was president of his business, he was right in the middle of his salesman, talking to growers and sharing the Burrus story of family generational seedsmen and independence. Tom’s family was hugely important to him, with wife Marcy always by his side. Family members were all around him on the Burrus leadership team and he was so very proud of his grandchildren.” —Ron Wulfkuhle, Head of Greenleaf Genetics, retired. “Tom was a teacher, he taught everyone he touched. He taught us to say thank you. I never knew anyone more appreciative of people and of life. Tom taught us to smile, you could not talk to Tom without a story and laughing about something. Tom taught us to care by showing how much he cared about us, our industry and his family. Tom was one of the best teachers. I’ll bet he is still giving lessons today.” —Glen Davis, Legend Seeds, De Smet, South Dakota “No one in the seed industry worked as hard as Tom or had as much fun working as Tom. He epitomized the type of seedsman anyone should be. I have a mandate to myself to “Laugh at least 20 times!” every day. In a 15 minute conversation with Tom, I would fill my daily quota. I am going to miss those 15 minute calls. The industry is going to miss a wonderful man.” —Wally Thingelstad, Senior Account Manager, DowDuPont 14 / SEEDWORLD.COM DECEMBER 2017