Bob LaRue, marketing expert and gardening columnist, dies

Robert F. LaRue, a green industry marketing expert and columnist, died on Sept. 9, his family reportd. He was 86.

LaRue was a respected marketing consultant in the green industry for more than six decades. He was also a well-known gardening columnist who wrote for a number of trade publications.

LaRue was a long-time consultant to the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry, wearing several marketing hats over the years for the International Flower Bulb Center and for the Dutch Flower Bulb Exporter's Association, now known as Anthos. He was one of the forces behind the successful "Fall is for Planting" promotional program of the 1970s and 80s.

"Bob LaRue was indeed a great friend to the Dutch Bulb Industry," said Frans Roozen of the International Flower Bulb Center. "Over the years, as a consultant and advisor, Bob traveled across North America, visiting retailers and sharing his thoughts and observations on the best ways to sell flower bulbs. He was also a good companion and a warm and caring personality. With his deep voice and ready laugh, you always knew when Bob was in for a visit. He will be missed."

Robert Frank LaRue was born in Bay City, Mich. to Robert C. LaRue and Catherine (Heitman) LaRue. He was a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. and Yale University in New Haven, Conn. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

After the army he went into advertising and marketing. He was co-founder and president of the LaRue & Cleveland Advertising Agency of Detroit, before founding LaRue Marketing Consultants, which specialized in the green industry. He served as consultant to many companies over the years including Aquascape Designs of St. Charles, Ill., and the Tongat Sugar Company of Durban, South Africa.

Those in the industry who knew him will remember that he was an avid golfer who was as generous with his golfing stories and expertise as he was with his marketing savvy. He loved the Detroit Tigers, a team he followed since childhood. He also loved jazz and traveling.

Bob is survived by his wife Patricia J. LaRue of Pompano Beach, Fla., daughter Deirdre LaRue and her husband Robert McLaughlin of Clinton, N.J., daughter Patricia K. LaRue of Washington, N.J., and granddaughter Kelly Hentzen of Philadelphia, Pa., as well as other extended family.

Services are private, for family only. Those wishing to offer a remembrance may donate to the charity of their choice. Those wishing for more information may contact Patricia K. LaRue or by phone at (908) 310-2488.