Robert (Bob) Shipley, founder of Shipley Sales and Viva label melons, died Monday, May 22, surrounded by family. He was 83.

Mr. Shipley, a 60-year veteran of the produce industry, remained active and passionate about running his fresh produce company up until his death. Raised in Phoenix, he developed an interest in farming at an early age, and following two years of active duty in Korea and an honorable discharge, he founded Shipley Sales in 1957 in Nogales, AZ. Robert (Bob) Shipley

Mr. Shipley was a pioneer during the early days of the Mexican produce export industry. He was the first to commercially produce the seedless watermelon and among the first to sell vegetables with individual labels in branded boxes. Today, Shipley Sales is a leading grower, marketer and worldwide shipper of melons, grapes and asparagus from Mexico.

"Bob was a visionary with a dream and he kept his nose to the grindstone and never stopped,” said longtime friend and business associate, Chuck Ciruli Sr. of Ciruli Bros., also in Nogales. “He developed the melon deal in Mexico and saw the globalization of the Mexican industry before many people did. I have many fond memories of Bob over the last 50 years and his contributions to the industry will be remembered for years to come."

Mr. Shipley was known as a family man, animal lover and farmer. He was a licensed pilot and spent many years flying to fields in Mexico, auctions, family gatherings and an occasional vacation. He grew an array fruits and vegetables on an acre of land behind his house and took pride in sharing his bounty with family.

Even in his 80s, Mr. Shipley would walk to work with his dogs. He enjoyed sharing stories and he never missed the chance to attend family gatherings.

Having worked alongside their father for over 30 years, his three children, Reed, Lee and Mary, said that they will continue his legacy at Shipley Sales.

“According to my dad, his greatest accomplishments were raising a large, tight-knit family and succeeding in business,” said his daughter, Mary Ley. “He truly believed in the power of education, determination and never taking no for an answer.”

Mr. Shipley was predeceased by his wife, Kay. He is survived by his five children, Karen Sykes (Bill), Lee (Mina), Reed, Vicki Wadman (Darrin), and Mary Ley (Martin), as well as 12 grandchildren and a great grandson.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 28, at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Nogales. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic, Nogales, AZ, or the Human Society of Santa Cruz County, Nogales, AZ.