UNITED STATES - We here at AndNowUKnow were saddened to hear of the loss of Patrick (Pat) Colin, who passed away peacefully in his home in Woodland, California, on January 19, 2025. A respected figure in the produce industry, his life was marked by love, loyalty, determination, and generosity.
Born on November 25, 1956, in New York, Pat married the love of his life, Trudy, in 1983, and became a devoted husband and father to their two children. Throughout their childhood and into adulthood, Pat stressed the value of hard work and maintaining relationships.
Pat’s love of sales originally began in the lumber business, but after joining his brother, Tim, in the fresh produce arena, he was ready to jump into this new world. Relationships were of utmost value to Pat, and his way with words and early-morning phone calls were well-known.
He and his brother, Tim, were considered pioneers in the mini watermelon sector, starting the company Timco Worldwide in the mid-‘80s. As Timco expanded its growing regions in the '90s, it transitioned into a year-round supplier before being purchased by CH Robinson in 2011.
“Pat Colin was more than just a produce (melon) guy. For me, he was a good friend,” Randy Scott of Scott Produce shared with me. “I first met Pat in the early 2000s when he and his brother were still running Timco Worldwide. After their company was acquired, we kind of lost touch with each other, but then reconnected when I was with Sprouts Farmers Market. We talked at least a couple of times each week, and often more about family than the produce business. Pat never failed to ask me how things were going out on my ranch and the construction of my new house. We continued to talk occasionally after my retirement. I can say that one of the things Pat loved most was talking about his family and how it was a blessing to be able to work with his children. Pat will be missed in the industry, and I will miss him for sure.”
For the last 10 years, Pat worked for Five Crowns Marketing, spearheading its watermelon operations. Working alongside his children and friends was where Pat truly found fulfillment.
“Pat was an innovator in the watermelon industry, as he was one of the first to put together growers from different regions and provide seamless service to customers. His integrity, transparency, and direct way of communicating helped facilitate the benefit of an integrated program to both customers and growers alike! His foresight into what the watermelon business needed to become, to benefit everyone, really helped shape the direction of not only our watermelon program but the industry in general. He will be missed," shared Bill Colace of Five Crowns Marketing.
Pat is survived by his wife, Trudy; daughter Kelly, (son-in-law, Greg), their children, MacKenzie and Braeden; and son Patrick (PJ), (daughter-in-law, Julia). Patrick also leaves behind brothers Tim and Kevin, an adopted daughter, her three children, and four great-grandchildren.
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We extend our condolences to all affected by this loss.
