LOUIS, MI - A great sadness can be felt across our industry as we mourn the passing of Farrell Cole “Dutch” Gay. Before retiring from the industry in 1997, Gay served as President and Chairman of the Tom Lange Family of Companies, playing an instrumental role in building the company into what it is today.
While attending Coe College for art in 1951 on a scholarship gifted by a member of his church, Gay took a sales position in January 1956 with Standard Fruit and Steamship Company, a major importer of bananas based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Later in the year, he moved to St. Louis as acting Sales Manager for Standard Fruit and remained in that position before joining St. Louis-based Brown and Loe, a press release explained.
In 1960, Tom Lange, Gay, and Paul Beisser purchased the office from the retiring Brown and Loe owners and opened their first Tom Lange Company office. Four years into the venture, Phil “Rock” Gumpert joined the team.
“As a newcomer to the sales side of the business, Dutch and I would talk numerous times every day as he was a mentor to me,” said Rock. “Dutch was not only my boss, but we also became good friends. He was always a gentleman, a person full of kindness, compassion, and empathy for people, but also one with strong business ethics and integrity. Dutch and I had a very special bond. We became more like brothers than just friends. Over the years, he became my best pal. Thanks to my pal, Dutch, for all the great memories.”
In 1980, Gay, Lange, and Gumpert established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which was structured into a trust to ensure that no employee would ever have to pay for a share of Tom Lange Company stock; in less than seven years, the company employees were the sole owners of the Tom Lange Company and its subsidiaries.
“Dutch was a wonderful man and mentor, I could always count on him for the background on our business,” commented current Tom Lange President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Reinauer. “It is important that our organization remembers and embraces the dedication and contributions of our founders.”
Gay is survived by his two sons, four grandchildren, one sister, and three great-grandchildren.
We send our deepest condolences to all who had the privilege of knowing this beloved leader.
