Rain Bird and the irrigation industry are mourning the loss of Ken Mills, one of Rain Bird’s longest serving employees and a dear friend to many. Mills passed away at his home in Tucson, Ariz. on May 3.
Mills' 43-year career at Rain Bird began in the early 1960s in his hometown of Peoria, Ill. During his senior year of college at Bradley University, Mills landed a part-time job as an irrigation designer with Rainy Sprinkler Sales, which was later purchased by Rain Bird. In 1968, Mills was promoted to District Sales Manager for the northeast territory and relocated to Allentown, Pa. Throughout those early years, Mills was instrumental in Rain Bird’s successful expansion into the rapidly growing turf and golf irrigation markets.
In May of 1978, Mills was appointed to the newly created position of Turf Product Development Manager, and moved along with his family to Rain Bird’s headquarters in Glendora, Calif. While devoting his time to the development of innovative turf irrigation products, Mills also completed an MBA at Pepperdine University. Three years later, Mills was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing for Rain Bird’s Agri-Products Division. Then, in 1985, Mills took over as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Turf Division. He was promoted to Vice President in 1989 and since that time has made countless contributions to the company and to the industry as a leader of Rain Bird’s Commercial and Contractor Divisions.
Throughout Mills' career, he could be counted on to “say it like he sees it.” His direct nature, clear communication style, willingness to serve and commitment to fairness and honesty made him highly valued and well regarded by all who worked alongside him.
Mills' passion for the irrigation business as well as for his fellow humans was evidenced by the many strong relationships he forged, both within Rain Bird and throughout the industry. He most recently served as President of the Irrigation Association in 2005/2006, where he was a vocal advocate for the irrigation industry and global water conservation.
Mills is survived by his wife Madora, his two daughters Leslie and Stacey, and one grandchild.
