Dan Robert Lubkeman, Hydroponics Trailblazer, Dies at 54

Dan Robert Lubkeman of El Cerrito, Calif., who served as the president of the Hydroponic Society of America (HSA) for nearly 30 years, died Sept. 18, one week before his 55th birthday. His contributions to the hydroponics and cannabis industries have been significant, and he will be missed by his family as well as many friends, colleagues, growers and others he has known and influenced over his long career.

The HSA is “a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, formed in 1976, that works with scientists, researchers, teachers, students, commercial growers, hobbyists and others. [It] has the world’s largest knowledge database related to hydroponics, controlled environment agriculture, and sustainable indoor food production. The society brings a wealth of information, knowledge, experience, cutting-edge research and education for food and cannabis grower,” according to Lubkeman’s bio on the website for the Hawaii Cannabis Expo, where he spoke several times on topics such as considerations for first-time growers, and “Mainland Medical Marijuana: Highs and Lows.”

Lubkeman was quoted about various aspects of hydroponic growing in a number of publications, including The New York Times, American Farm Publications’ The Delmarva Farmer, and the Baltimore Sun, and penned articles on hydroponics for publications such as Business View Magazine, as well as authored two chapters of the book “The Best of the Growing Edge: Popular Hydroponics and Gardening for Small-Commercial Growers and Hobbyists, Volume II,” a collection of articles from The Growing Edge published in 2000 by New Moon Publishing.

According to Lubkeman’s brother, Paul Lubkeman, “Dan began his life in agriculture really when he was born into a farming family in Iowa; both sides of the family have been farming for generations and still do to this day. As far as his introduction to the hydroponics industry, it would have been at [Dansco]/ Berkeley Indoor Garden Center, selling nutrients, soil, and other growing supplies. In 1990, traveling to Europe, he ended up spending over a year in Belgium, traveling frequently to Amsterdam exploring the European culture in the industry. He also traveled to Germany to participate in the historic dismantling of the Berlin Wall. Upon returning he continued his career with Dansco,” where he worked from 1987-1991, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Lubkeman also served for four years (1998-2001) as North American Editor of Practical Hydroponics & Greenhouses Magazine, and for six years as co-founder of SunPulse Lamps & Controls from 2010-2016.

His continued concern for world hunger led him to connect with the World Food Program USA. He had the dream and vision of using a cargo ship on which to produce and supply food to areas of the world experiencing famine, disaster, and conflict. He passionately continued this work with his colleagues up until the time of his death, according to Paul.

Lubkeman also was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in El Cerrito where he sang in the choir, served on the property team, and challenged the community in outreach efforts and care of its members.

His family held a private memorial service for him Oct. 6 in El Cerrito. A larger, more formal memorial is scheduled for Oct. 28 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton, Iowa. “This is where [Dan] was born and the church he was baptized in. All are welcome,” Paul told Cannabis Business Times in an email. Donations in Dan’s memory can be made to: World Food Program USA, PO Box 96316 Washington D.C. 20090-6316.

Lubkeman was preceded in death by his father Marvin in 1969. He is survived by his mother, Sharon; brother Paul; nieces Danielle, Seth, Shannon and Allyssa, and nephew Seth; and his great nieces and nephews Alex, Zoey, Marvin and Brooks; as well as his partner of 33 years, Heather Middleton.