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SIDEBAR: Just Who Was Bruce Briggs? |
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Written On: July/August 2004 |
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Around Olympia, you don’t have to ask that question because nearly every bronze nameplate on community projects has Bruce Briggs etched on it.
Briggs and his wife, Doris, started Briggs Nursery in Olympia. They grew landscaping shrubs for the wholesale market and shipped plants across the country. He was particularly known for his Rhododendrons—Washington’s state flower.
Bruce Briggs was a long-time AWB member who died suddenly in early 2000.
“AWB staff fondly remember him as the guy who brought the plants to the legislative reception each February, dashed home to change into his sports jacket and tie, brought Doris to the reception, then took her home, put his work clothes back on, and helped us clean up,” AWB President Don Brunell said.
“He was just salt of the earth and a man every child would like to have as a grandfather.”
Over the years, Bruce was a community leader and contributed much to the community like no other. He gave his heart and soul to every project and found time to be a tireless advocate for small business, nursery and farm issues.
In Olympia, Bruce led the drive to build a new YMCA which was completed after his death. It is built on land adjacent to the Briggs Nursery, donated by the Briggs Family and named in his honor.
In his memory, the Association of Washington Business established the “Bruce Briggs Award.” It is presented annually to the AWB member who, like Bruce, has contributed to his or her community over the years. The award is presented at the Association’s annual spring meeting in Spokane in conjunction with AWB’s annual Community Service Awards Program.
Today, the Briggs’ son, Gary, runs the nursery.
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