The Washington State Fruit Commission is remembering longtime president Burdette Jerome “BJ” Thurlby as “a steadying presence in an industry of continual change.” Thurlby, 60, died Jan. 10 in Seattle following an eight-month battle with cancer.
“Thurlby’s professional passion was serving growers,” writes Shannon Dininny, managing editor of Good Fruit Grower, the informational magazine published by the commission. “He did so with humor, patience and grace, lending an ear and support to the 2,200 growers the commission has represented — people he genuinely enjoyed and respected.”
Doug Field, commission board chair, says Thurlby was a great ambassador for the industry.
“The positive impact of his efforts to promote our cherries and soft fruits in the USA and around the world will be felt long into the future,” Field says in the Good Fruit Grower’s tribute story.
“We were truly blessed to have such a special person who deeply cared about the well-being of his growers and the people he worked with as our leader for the last 25 years,” Field adds. “We will all miss our good friend.”
During his career with the commission, Thurlby traveled the world promoting Northwest cherries. According to his obituary, he once proudly noted his work had allowed him to eat breakfast on six continents. He retired at the end of 2025 following his June diagnosis of Stage 4 testicular cancer, closing a meaningful 30-year chapter defined by his passion for the cherry industry and the people within it.
On Jan. 7, Thurlby was honored with the industry’s annual “Cherry King” award. Though he was unable to attend the ceremony, he prerecorded an acceptance video, which received a standing ovation from attendees.
Life and Remembrances
Thurlby was born Oct. 9, 1965, in Seattle and raised on Lake Tapps as an only child by his dad, Burdette “Burdy” Thurlby, a teacher and former professional baseball player; and his mom, Louise Thurlby, a homemaker and former professional model.
Growing up, he was a lover of sports, especially basketball. He played all-state basketball for his high school and later played at Central Washington University, where he met his wife, Maggie. They married in 1993.
After earning a degree in public relations, he began his career as a sales representative for Gallo Winery in Seattle. He and Maggie later moved to her hometown of Yakima, Wash., where he built a distinguished career as the president of the Washington State Fruit Commission.
Above all else, Thurlby was a family man. During their 33-year marriage, they lived life side by side — going to the gym, grocery shopping, traveling and discovering new places to enjoy a good meal. They also had three children — Griffin, Kenzie and Greyson — who were the pride and joy of his life. Thurlby was also a deeply loved uncle and great-uncle, a cherished brother-in-law to Maggie’s nine siblings and an adoring son-in-law to Maggie’s mother, Alice. The love he poured into his family was his most defining legacy.
Thurlby was preceded in death by his parents; his fathers-in-law, Loren Platte and John Poston; and his brothers-in-law, Matt Platte and Steve Platte. He is survived by his beloved wife, three children, over 30 nieces and nephews, and other family and life-long friends. As lifelong dog lover, Thurlby was also a proud “grandpaw.”
In lieu of flowers, the family says donations can be made to Yakima Humane Society, Wags to Riches, or UW Medicine in memory of BJ Thurlby.
All who knew Thurlby are invited to celebrate his life at a semi-formal reception with dinner, drinks and speeches Feb. 21, from 4-7 p.m. at the Yakima Convention Center. In the spirit of his own words (“Thurlbys are about celebration”), this will be a joyful occasion to honor his life and legacy.
