Burt’s Bees Founder Passes Away at 80

Burt Shavitz, the founder of the iconic beauty brand Burt’s Bees, died last Sunday in his home in Maine. He was 80 years old.

Burt, whose bearded and kindly face appears on the label of the natural products company, lived his days in seclusion, observing wildlife and keeping close to his friends and family. He has long not been directly associated with the the brand that carries his name when operations were moved to North Carolina by his business partner, Roxanne Quimby. He claims to have been booted out when he was found to have relations with a employee. However, he did receive a settlement from the company that included a 37-acre lot in Maine.

The beekeeper lived a storied life before he turned to his reclusive lifestyle. He had served in the army in Germany and became a photographer for Time, Life, and The New York Times. After moving out of New York, he made a living by selling honey from his private farm. A chance encounter with Roxanne, who started making skincare and beauty products using his honey, led to the birth of Burt’s Bees.