Kwik Lok owner dies at 76
Kwik Lok owner dies at 76
The fresh produce industry is mourning the loss of Jerre Paxton, owner and president of Kwik Lok Corp., who died from an apparent heart attack Jan. 25 in Seattle, where he had gone to attend simulcast racing at Emerald Downs. He was 76.
Mr. Paxton assumed leadership of Kwik Lok, headquartered in Yakima, WA, in 1968 following the retirement of his father, Floyd. The company is an innovator in the field of bag closures, and the locks are easily visible in fresh produce departments today.
In addition to his responsibilities at Kwik Lok, Mr. Paxton was a horse racing enthusiast and thoroughbred breeder. He created the Yakima Stallion Station, which was later renamed Northwest Farms in the early 1970s. The farm was recognized as Washington's leading thoroughbred breeder from 1984 to 1995. Mr. Paxton was a charter member of the Washington Racing Hall of Fame and was officially inducted in 2003.
His passion for horse breeding and racing was evident. In all, he bred 12 state champions and garnered 37 career stakes victories at Emerald Downs. Jockeys were proud to wear the red and black silks of the farm and remember Mr. Paxton fondly as a kind and generous man.
Mr. Paxton is survived by his wife, Debbie, and daughters Stephanie Paxton-Jackson, Melissa Paxton-Steiner and Kim Hagner.