03/24/2024
On Monday, March 18th, we said goodbye to a friend, father, husband, and one of the greatest influences in the bromeliad and exploration world, Paul Isley III.
Paul, also known as "Ty" and "Mr Tillandsia," has had a passion for Tillandsia since 1969. He founded Rainforest Flora Inc, and traveled all over the world; Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Argentine, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and many more, collecting and registering Tillandsia
Paul has developed, named, or registered many Tillandsia hybrids: T. Betty (after his wife), T. PJ's Pride (His son), T. Kimberly (his eldest daughter), T. Kacey (his youngest daughter), T. JR (his business partner, Jerry of 48 years), T. Kendra (Jerry's eldest daughter), T. Kaylan (Jerry's youngest daughter), T. Bishop John Fisher (his latest book and historical religious role model), T. Jes (long-time employee and friend), T. Redy (long-time employee and friend), and many more!
He was the conference chairman of the 1984 Bromelympics, featured speaker at many BSI World Bromeliad conferences, on the board of directors for Southern California Bromeliad Counsel & Bromeliad Society International, with countless participation in Horticultural shows throughout the US and world.
In 1987, he published the 'Genus: Tillandsia' booklet, a beginners guide for the Tillandsia grower, now in its 16th edition. He published 'Tillandsia', a full color 256-page source for Tillandsia information in 1987, with a revised publication in 2009 of 'Tillandsia II'.
He set foot on every continent (Antarctica recently in 2022), climbed to the first summit of Mt Everest, climbed Mt Kilimanjro, went to the bottom of Lake Baikal, was an active member of the adventures club, proud UCLA alumni, and a devoute Catholic.
He loved his books, morning runs, evening scotch, hosting grand parties, tillandsia, the people he worked with, friends, and most of all, his family.
From all the lives you've touched, thank you!
You are missed â€ïž
Rest in Peace ð
