Tourist Killed in Beijing Was a Green Industry Veteran

News of Todd Bachman’s death was a devastating way to start the Olympic games. It was even more devastating for family and members of the green industry in which he was so involved.

Todd, 62, was CEO of Bachman’s, a Minneapolis-based company that operates floral and garden centers and landscaping divisions. The father of a former Olympic volleyball player (Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon, wife of current U.S. men’s Olympic volleyball coach, Hugh McCutcheon), he was in Beijing for the games with this wife, Barbara, when both were stabbed Saturday in a random act of violence. He died and Barbara was injured.

“All of us who have had the privilege of knowing Todd Bachman are devastated by his loss,” said Bob Fitch, executive director of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, in a letter to members. “Todd was a caring and generous person.”

Todd was instrumental in establishing the non-profit MNLA Foundation, which works to improve the outdoor living environment by investing in research and education, Fitch added.

"Todd was a great thinker but such an ordinary guy," said his friend, George Lucht of Malmborg, a Rogers, Minn.-based grower, who is still trying to come to grips with the tragedy. "He was so comfortable to be with and so bright."

Lucht and his wife spent much time with the Bachmans and two other couples. They attended the Bachmans' daughters' weddings. Bachman's is also one of Malmborg's largest wholesale customers.

Todd was just a couple years away from retiring and was looking forward to spending more time at his Naples, Fla., home, Lucht added.

Todd had leadership positions in several other organizations including the Society of American Florists, the Minnesota Commercial Flower Growers Association, the North Central Florists Association and the Widmer Research & Education Fund. He also served on the board of Hortica Insurance Company and Yoder Brothers.

Each Bachman’s store will display a memorial in honor of Todd this week. No other memorial information has been discussed at this time: the family is focused on Barbara’s recovery.