Francisco Obregon, major player in Mexican produce industry, dies
Francisco Obregon, major player in Mexican produce industry, dies
Francisco (Pancho) Obregon, a major player in the Mexican produce industry, died Sept. 17 after battling cancer.
“It is with heavy hearts that we write to let you know of the passing of Francisco (Pancho) Obregon,” Jose Luis Obregon, son of Pancho Obregon and president of IPR Fresh, wrote in a Sept. 25 email.
Francisco (Pancho) Obregon “Pancho passed September 17 surrounded by family. Pancho had been a friend, mentor, and overall produce industry champion for many years. He served on many industry groups, including PMA, United, CPMA and the FPAA. He will be missed by many. Most recently, Francisco Obregon worked in sales and business development for IPR Fresh, which he formed in 2003 and is now managed by his sons.”
Mr. Obregon had more than 40 years of industry experience. A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, he managed Tanimura & Antle’s Mexican operations in the late 1980s, worked as general manager of Nogales-based Bionova Produce in the late 1990s, and served as a consultant for companies, including C.H. Robinson, B.C. Hot House, Scientific Certification Systems, Mission Produce, Macro Plastics, Farm Fresh Direct and Dade Services.
In the IPR Fresh sales office were Francisco Obregon and his sons Jose Luis Obregon and Enrique Obregon with salesman Alex Durazo. He was also Secretary of Economic Development for the state of Sonora, Mexico, during the early 1990s.
Mr. Obregon is survived by his wife, Beatriz; sons Francisco Jr., Jose Luis, Alvaro and Enrique; and his six grandchildren.
Services were scheduled for Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., at San Felipe de Jesus Parish in Nogales, AZ.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the San Felipe de Jesus Parish Building Fund: 1901 N Jose Gallego Dr., Nogales, AZ 85621.
