Fred Williamson of Andrew Williamson has died
Fred Williamson of Andrew Williamson has died
Fred L. Williamson, a well-known tomato industry leader and co-founder of Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce in San Diego, died March 20, at the age of 70.
Company spokesperson Mark Munger said Mr. Williamson had been sicker than he let on and that pneumonia was the official cause of death.
A native of Plymouth, NH, Mr. Williamson moved to Oceanside, CA, as a child, and he lived there the rest of his life. A graduate of Cal Western College in San Diego, his first position in the produce industry was tomato sales manager with Kawano Bros. Inc. in Oceanside, where he worked with his best friend, Raymond Kawano, for 20 years. He then worked with Agri Sales Inc. in Vista, CA.
In 1986, Mr. Williamson formed a partnership with the late Fred Andrew, and together they opened Andrew Williamson Sales Co.
Considered by many to be a pioneer in the Baja California, Mexico, vine- ripened tomato industry, Mr. Williamson introduced technology, new tomato varieties and financing to the Baja region, and the company soon became recognized as a premium vine-ripened tomato shipper. Mr. Williamson's son, Fred M. Williamson, took over the presidency of the company in 1997. The elder Mr. Williamson remained on the company's board of directors and continued to be instrumental in the growth and success of the company until his death.
Mr. Munger, who went to college with the younger Mr. Williamson, said that the elder Mr. Williamson was instrumental in his choice of careers.
"When I think of Fred, I think of someone who had a tremendous passion for the produce industry," he told The Produce News March 21. "He was an enthusiastic mentor for young people. When I was in college and first met him, he was always telling us we should go into the produce industry."
John King, the current vice president of sales for Andrew Williamson, said, "It was an honor to work with him. He gave me my start in the produce industry 20 years ago and was a great mentor. I enjoyed his company both on the job and away from work."
Mr. Williamson served on the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association's board of directors from 1982 to 1984. He was also an active leader of the California Tomato Board, chairing many committees and serving as chairman of the board for four years.
Tom Stenzel, president of the United Fresh Produce Association, said in a press release, "Fred was a visionary and leader in the industry. He was an early adopter of the '5 A Day' brand well before many others, putting the name on his boat and in his e-mail address. He and his wife, Judy, were truly ambassadors for the industry. Together, they reached out and embraced the other United board members and made them feel welcome in the organization."
Mr. Williamson is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judy; sons Fred and Mitch; daughters Jennifer, Suzie, Sheri and Trisha; and 14 grandchildren.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Fred Williamson's name to either the Oceanside Boys & Girls Club at 401 Country Club Lane, Oceanside, CA 92054, or to Brother Benno's Foundation at 3260 Production Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054.
Company spokesperson Mark Munger said Mr. Williamson had been sicker than he let on and that pneumonia was the official cause of death.
A native of Plymouth, NH, Mr. Williamson moved to Oceanside, CA, as a child, and he lived there the rest of his life. A graduate of Cal Western College in San Diego, his first position in the produce industry was tomato sales manager with Kawano Bros. Inc. in Oceanside, where he worked with his best friend, Raymond Kawano, for 20 years. He then worked with Agri Sales Inc. in Vista, CA.
In 1986, Mr. Williamson formed a partnership with the late Fred Andrew, and together they opened Andrew Williamson Sales Co.
Considered by many to be a pioneer in the Baja California, Mexico, vine- ripened tomato industry, Mr. Williamson introduced technology, new tomato varieties and financing to the Baja region, and the company soon became recognized as a premium vine-ripened tomato shipper. Mr. Williamson's son, Fred M. Williamson, took over the presidency of the company in 1997. The elder Mr. Williamson remained on the company's board of directors and continued to be instrumental in the growth and success of the company until his death.
Mr. Munger, who went to college with the younger Mr. Williamson, said that the elder Mr. Williamson was instrumental in his choice of careers.
"When I think of Fred, I think of someone who had a tremendous passion for the produce industry," he told The Produce News March 21. "He was an enthusiastic mentor for young people. When I was in college and first met him, he was always telling us we should go into the produce industry."
John King, the current vice president of sales for Andrew Williamson, said, "It was an honor to work with him. He gave me my start in the produce industry 20 years ago and was a great mentor. I enjoyed his company both on the job and away from work."
Mr. Williamson served on the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association's board of directors from 1982 to 1984. He was also an active leader of the California Tomato Board, chairing many committees and serving as chairman of the board for four years.
Tom Stenzel, president of the United Fresh Produce Association, said in a press release, "Fred was a visionary and leader in the industry. He was an early adopter of the '5 A Day' brand well before many others, putting the name on his boat and in his e-mail address. He and his wife, Judy, were truly ambassadors for the industry. Together, they reached out and embraced the other United board members and made them feel welcome in the organization."
Mr. Williamson is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judy; sons Fred and Mitch; daughters Jennifer, Suzie, Sheri and Trisha; and 14 grandchildren.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Fred Williamson's name to either the Oceanside Boys & Girls Club at 401 Country Club Lane, Oceanside, CA 92054, or to Brother Benno's Foundation at 3260 Production Ave., Oceanside, CA 92054.
