Longtime produce industry journalist Tad Thompson died April 8.
Thompson, living in Manhattan, Kan., succumbed to pancreatic cancer, according to his obituary.
Thompson, who wrote for The Packer, Produce News and other publications, was remembered for his love of the industry, said Bill O’Neill, former publisher of The Packer.
O’Neill said he was fortunate to know Thompson in the early years of his journalism life and continued to enjoy a friendship with Thompson after his years at The Packer.
“I would say that Tad had the produce industry in his blood,” O’Neill said. “His reporting, writing, photography and publication startups over most of 50 years spoke to his curiosity to learn and his genuine interest in the people and business of the fresh produce trade. No one may have ever written more published inches and articles about the produce business than Tad Thompson. “
Thompson is survived by his wife, Debra (Hardin) Thompson, a native of Manhattan, and his children Reece Everett Thompson and daughter-in-law Rajee Kanagavel, who reside in Cairo, Egypt, as well as daughter Claire Thompson, of Miami.
Thompson graduated from Kansas State University with a journalism degree in 1976 and soon entered the fresh fruit and vegetable specialty, working for The Packer newspaper in Kansas City, Mo. He worked widely in the produce industry until his cancer diagnosis in November last year, according to the obituary. His 47-year career led him to live in metropolitan Philadelphia, New York City, Atlanta, Edgartown, Mass., and Sun City West, Ariz. The Thompsons permanently returned to Manhattan in 2017.
Beyond working across the U.S., his career was highlighted by constant global travels, including repeated work involving produce industry export development in Mexico, Central and South America, and production and exports from Africa, Europe, Israel, Afghanistan and China.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on April 20, at the First Presbyterian Church, 801 Leavenworth in Manhattan.
A celebration of life service will follow the visitation at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Thompson to the Manhattan Catbackers or the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House Inc. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.
