Wyona Babikow dies

Wyona Babikow, co-founder of Emerald Coast Growers, died Sunday, October 22. She was 78. Wyona is survived by her husband David, their four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

David and Wyona moved to Pensacola, Fla., in 1991 to start a new business from scratch. Her horticulture and banking experience were essential to the company’s creation and growth. Wyona sought no accolades; she found sufficient satisfaction in quietly getting the job done, the bills paid and the payroll met.

Wyona married into a multi-generational tradition: The Babikow family has been a significant horticultural presence since the late 1800s. But, in the words of her son Paul, ECG president, “She was so much more than a nurseryman’s wife. She taught me what I know about running a company. I can’t begin to express the impact she’s had, on so many.”

Those who wish to express condolences are invited to donate to a charity Wyona favored, Compassion International. More information is available at www.compassion.com.

Photo courtesy of Emerald Coast Growers.