United Fresh was saddened to hear the news this week of the passing of former United Chairman John Derdivanis.

"(Everyone) who knew John had the good fortune of enjoying a true character who always had the most upbeat, positive outlook and impact on the world around him," said United Fresh President Tom Stenzel. "Always one with a quick joke followed by his big smile, you laughed along even when you'd heard the punch line before." 

In 1957, Derdivanis and fraternity brother Herb Fleming founded Admiral Packing Company, a major lettuce shipper for almost four decades. He was an active leader in the industry, serving as chairman of United Fresh in 1985 and president of Western Growers and the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. 

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, December 18 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 301 Corral de Tierra Road in Salinas, Calif. There will be a Celebration of Life Reception at 3 p.m. at Corral de Tierra Country Club, 81 Corral de Tierra Road, also in Salinas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Central Coast, 2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Suite D210, Monterey, Calif. 93940.