US cherry industry mourns passing of veteran leader B.J. Thurlby, former WSFC president

The US cherry growers and distributors mourn the passing of industry veteran and former Washington State Fruit Commission (WSFC) president B.J. Thurlby. He died on January 10 at the age of 60 following a surgical procedure to treat cancer.

He is survived by his wife Maggie, his two sons, Griffin and Greyson, and his daughter, Kenzie. 

In a statement posted to LinkedIn, the WSFC celebrated Thurlby’s life and legacy, emphasizing his passion for serving Washington producers.

"He did so with humor, patience, and grace for 30 years, lending an ear and support to the 2,200 growers the commission has represented—people he respected immensely in this industry," the post reads. 

After his diagnosis last summer, Thurlby stepped down as WSFC president to be succeeded by Board Chairman Doug Field.  

“BJ was a great ambassador for our industry,” Field said. “The positive impacts of his passionate efforts to promote our cherries and soft fruits in the USA and around the world will be felt long into the future."

In his 25 years as WSFC president, Thurlby helped to grow international markets for sweet cherries by more than 300 percent, with exports going to 29 countries. He was a staunch advocate of research for the health benefits of cherries and led efforts to highlight those benefits in promotions across the industry.

Goodbye to B.J. Thurlby, a cherry industry giant

As news of Thurlby's passing spread, multiple members of the US cherry and fresh produce community took to social media to pay their respects.

"BJ was passionate about his work and deeply committed to the growers he served. He brought energy, optimism, and humor to most everything he did," said in a LinkedIn post Kevin Moffitt, a produce marketing professional who worked with Thurlby for nearly 24 years in the pear industry. "I enjoyed his sense of humor and camaraderie. He was someone whose company was a pleasure, both during work and after hours."

Blaine Heilman, a sales, retail, and fresh produce consultant with a long-standing career in the sector, took to the professional social media site to pay tribute to Thurlby. 

"Like so many in our industry, I was deeply touched by his leadership and support throughout my career. B.J.’s encouragement helped shape the professional I am today, and I will forever be grateful for his mentorship," she wrote.

Meanwhile, Danielle Huber, Senior Marketing Manager at CMI Orchards, highlighted Thurlby's kindness and dedication: "B.J. was truly one of a kind. A thoughtful leader, a steady presence, always with a smile on his face. His passion for our industry showed in everything he did, and his impact will be felt for many years to come."

*All images courtesy of Northwest Cherries.

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