Canadian produce industry leader Garry Wagner, 84, died Oct. 3 in Calgary, Alberta.
“Garry Wagner was a pioneer in our industry and full supporter of CPMA as we grew and transitioned from the Canadian Wholesalers Association to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association,” said Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. “Garry will be missed by all.”
The Packer named Wagner the Canadian Produce Man of the Year in 1985, when he was with Scott National Co., Calgary, Alberta. The Packer recognized Wagner for his desire to position fresh produce top of mind for consumers, his passion for his work at Scott National and his commitment to volunteer at the Canadian Cancer Society.
He was CPMA chairman in 1990 and the CPMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 1997.
According to his obituary in The Calgary Herald, Wagner is survived by his wife of 57 years, Moira, four children and 18 grandchildren.
“Garry loved life and the people in it; we were so blessed to have him as our role model and hero,” the family said in the obituary.
Wagner spent his career in the produce business throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. After retirement, Wagner and his wife traveled the world and enjoyed their lakefront home on Lake Windermere in British Columbia.
Beyond his career in the produce business, he was a competitive distance runner and a supporter of numerous charities.
Wagner was a cancer survivor and donations in his memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, according to the obituary.
The Packer’s Obituary Coverage
