<p>Norman Gilfenbain, Founder and Owner of Cal-Fruit passed away on April 30, 2013. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><img class="small-cropped-image" src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacySmallCroppedImages/hl_in_memoriam_norman-gilfenbain_BODY01.jpg" alt="images 050913" />Norman started his company in 1963 and grew it to be a huge force in the Southern California produce industry. Cal-Fruit was one of the first wholesalers on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. The industry veteran loved being innovative in produce packaging and opened a Pre-Pak division. Cal-Fruit was the first company to bag fresh oranges, pack “Tube Tomatoes”, and was the first to do a Club Store Pack (half tray) for fresh Strawberries.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>After moving off the Los Angeles Produce Market, he expanded into growing with his current company, Eclipse Berry Farms, that grows thousands of acres of Strawberries, and also produces Raspberries and Grape Tomatoes. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Norman loved to enjoy life. He was part of an elite group of L.A. Produce Market guys who engaged in an occasional game of poker or a football game. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Gloria, his son Stuart who worked alongside Norman in his businesses for more than 40 years, and his daughter, Robin.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>We extend our deepest condolences to Norman's friends and family.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
