<p><img class="small-cropped-image" src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacySmallCroppedImages/im_wga_july_2013.jpg" alt="Cropped Images July 18th 2013" />Longtime leader in the California potato industry and Western Growers icon Don Johnston passed away on Tuesday, July 16 after several difficult years, including the death of his wife, Gail Johnston, last fall.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Johnston was born on Feb. 22, 1933 in Portland, OR and moved to Bakersfield when he was 14 and Johnston Farms was founded. He joined the family business in 1955, dedicated to improving the industry. As the years passed, the business grew to include potatoes, peppers, wheat, cotton, and citrus products, according to a release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">He served on the Western Growers and the Western Growers Assurance Trust boards for many years and was the WG Chairman of the Board in 1977.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “(Johnston)was integral to our growth in the ‘70s and for many of the programs, such as our government affairs focus, and all the various products and services today that assist farmers to remain competitive and profitable,” Matt McInerney, WG Executive Vice President. “He was beloved by WG staff for all that he did for Western Growers, and was a man of great character and integrity.” </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Our deepest condolences go out to Don's friends and family.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
