Canadian produce leader Garry Wagner remembered

Garry Wagner
Garry Wagner
(Garry Wagner Family)

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

The Packer's Canada Coverage

 

 

Latest News

Sage Fruit at AWG showcase: Strong apple promotions available now
Sage Fruit at AWG showcase: Strong apple promotions available now

Sage Fruit Co. had good news for retail attendees at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity
Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity

GrubMarket says its initiative made strides in 2023, including the planting of 100,000-plus trees and aiding farmers in organic transition.

Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership
Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership

Ski-cross athlete Emeline Bennett will share food tips, highlights and more through Oppy’s social media channels.

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.