Stemilt Growers’ founder and former president Tom Mathison died on 26 December 2008, aged 82, after suffering from cancer, according to a report from The Packer.
Mr Mathison established the family-owned-and-operated grower-shipper of apples, pears, cherries, tree fruit and blueberries in 1964 on Stemilt Hill, overlooking Wenatchee, and served as chairman of the board of Stemilt Growers since retiring as president in 2005.
Mr Mathison founded the company in 1964 and transferred the presidency to grandson West Mathison in July 2005. He traveled extensively to open new markets worldwide and played a major role in establishing markets for Washington fruit in Japan and China as well as forging trade negotiations with Mexico, according to a company spokesman.
Desmond O’Rourke, economist and president of Belrose, Washington State, said Mr Mathison will be remembered in the same light as industry legend Grady Auvil, who died in 1998.
“He was truly a giant in the industry, and not just in Washington State — he is known worldwide,” Mr O’Rourke said. “Many of the things that Tom introduced into his business are now industry practices.”
Funeral services took place on 31 December at 10.30am at the First Presbyterian Church.
Mr Mathison is survived by his wife, Lorraine; sons Robert and Kyle; daughter Lavonne van Someren Greve, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
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