<p>Larger than life figure in the industry and former president of Lucky Strike Farms, Gilbert Papazian, passed away on May 3 at the age of 83.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Papazian got his start in the produce business in 1946 and later purchased Lucky Strike Farms in 1953 from his father. The company was a member of Western Growers from that date on. Gilbert remained active in the business until several years ago, when health issues forced him to take a step back.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“He loved to pound the phone,” said his son Gib Papazian, noting Gilbert’s relentless enthusiasm for sales.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“He was very charismatic with an expansive energy that was apparent when he walked into a room.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Gilbert was also a snazzy dresser from a gentleman’s era, according to his son. He was a remnant of a time when a handshake meant something and the industry was less dominated by big business.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“He lamented that the produce market had become so corporate and lost its rough and tumble free market soul. It became increasingly controlled by people who didn’t understand the industry,” said Papazian.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Gilbert Papzian was a close friend and protégé of Bud Antle, a founder of Tanimura and Antle.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Residing in Hillsborough, California, Gilbert was an avid art collector and a prolific reader.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Gilbert Papazian is survived by his wife Margaret Papazian and children Gib, Elise, and Chris.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Our deepest condolences go out to Gilbert's family and friends. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
