We've received a lovely Christmas letter from Joy Hale, wife of Ron. As our Mississippi River Hills friends know, Ron was killed June 17 in a tragic farm accident. Well known to his customers for "Ron's pampered tomatoes," he was a "beyond organics" producer known for warmth, enthusiasm, and intelligence. Not many people knew that he held three master's degrees, and worked as an astrophysicist before he retired. A founding member of the MRHA, he is deeply missed.
Joy writes that Ron was "able to live out his dream of 'playing in the dirt' for 19 years, and although he didn't get to try all the innovative ideas and plans he had for the future, he was able to make a difference in the agriculture scene both locally and statewide with ihs efforts in starting the local Farmer's Market and participation in the Midwest Vegetable Growers Association and the Mississippi River Hills Association."
Ron's family and friends were able to keep the farm going this season, but they've decided that it's the end of produce on Hale Farms. It's the end of an era, but Ron will live on in the many producers he influenced, the organizations he founded, and of course, in his children and grandchildren.
We wish Joy and the Hale family a wonderful Christmas and a brighter New Year.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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