In Memoriam: Hagan M. Hetz

PLNA is saddened by the passing of Hagan M. Hetz, longtime member and Board and Government Relations Committee member. Please join us in remembering and honoring his life, work, and impact on PA's green industry. Our thoughts are with Hagan's family, friends, and colleagues.

Hagan M. Hetz, age 50, passed away on August 4, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home in Fairview, PA. He was born in Erie, PA on August 31, 1972 to parents D. Garth and Peggy Hetz and was the youngest of their three children. Hagan was grateful to have experienced his childhood and youth in Fairview. The friends he met at St. Stephens pre-school as a four-year old became the cherished friends who shared their lives as the Algonquin Council ever since that beginning nearly 50 years ago. Hagan was a 1991 graduate of Fairview High School in the school system that prepared him and his friends for successful careers across the country.

After earning an MBA from Vanderbilt University in 2001 and working in the insurance industry for four years in Nashville, TN, Hagan returned to his hometown and the family business, Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc., established in 1911 by his great grandfather, Frank C. Hetz. He was a fourth- generation nurseryman. At Fairview Evergreen, he found early success in his position as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, having trained for the dual roles under the guidance of his father. His rapport with nursery industry colleagues, wholesale customers, and clients throughout the eastern and midwestern United States and Canada was evident in the respect and friendships he garnered during his years in sales and marketing.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Hagan was elected President/CEO and Chairman of the Board of Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. He spent nearly ten years at the helm of the company. He proudly dedicated his working days to the family business and nursery industry, having served several years on the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association’s government relations committee and its local Western Regional chapter. He was a member of the Hamot Board of Corporators and a longtime supporter of the Horticulture Research Institute...

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