Donald J. “Don” Smith, second-generation owner of Turlock Fruit Company, died peacefully at his home in Turlock, Calif., surrounded by family after a brief illness on July 3. He was 95 years old. His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist, Turlock, 1660 Arbor Way, 95380.
Smith was called “a legendary figure in California’s Central Valley farming community” by his alma mater, College of the Pacific (now University of the Pacific), which he graduated from in 1952. Generational business partner Nathel & Nathel noted in a Facebook tribute that Smith “remained active in his fields until just weeks before his passing.”
Smith’s father, James H. “Cantaloupe” Smith founded the melon packing and growing operation in 1918, now one of the oldest commercial growers of honeydew and cantaloupe in California. Smith took over as co-owner alongside his brother-in-law, William “Bill” Palmer.
According to Smith’s obituary, under his and Bill’s leadership, Turlock Fruit Company established a reputation for quality produce that continues to this day under the management of son, Stephen; grandson, Alec Smith; and grandson-in-law, Neill Callis. The company is over 107 years old. The company is known for its melons under the Peacock, King of the West and Sycamore brands.
“Don Smith will be remembered for his brilliance, humility and tireless dedication — a man who loved his work, his land and the people he worked with. His legacy lives on in every box of melons, in the wisdom he shared, and in the generations he inspired,” Nathel & Nathel say.
Among his many affiliations and efforts within the industry, Smith was a member of the board of Western Growers Association for many years and served as president in 1964. He also served on the board of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association for several years.
Within his community, Smith served on the Turlock Joint Union High School Board for 12 years, and the Board of Regents of University of the Pacific for 24 years. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, past president of the Turlock noon Rotary Club, and a member of Turlock Masonic Lodge F&AM, Stockton Scottish Rite, and Aahmes Shriners Hospital.
Smith was preceded in death by parents, James Smith and Rose Smith; sister, Marian Smith Palmer; and brother-in-law and business partner, William “Bill” Palmer.
He is survived by his three children, Stephen (Kathleen) Smith of Turlock, Calif., Sally (John) Robinson of Woodside, Calif., and Stuart Smith of San Jose, Calif.; six grandchildren, Hilary (Neill) Callis of Turlock, Alec (Hillary) Smith of Turlock, Heidi (Tyler) Rosengren of Belvedere, Calif., Gretchen (Spencer) Rawles of San Francisco, Calif., and Jamie Smith and Julian Smith of Valencia, Spain; and eight great-grandchildren, Daniel and Elin Callis, Owen and Beau Smith, Annika and Aksel Rosengren, and Ainsley and Blythe Rawles.
The family say remembrances in Smith’s honor can be made to:
- The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, NY, NY 10163;
- Shriners Children’s Northern California, Attn: Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA. 30394;
- Or a favorite charity.
