Today, we lost a passionate friend of the produce industry, Barbra Holland Metheny.
Barbra passed away on January 11, 2013 after a long and gallant battle with brain cancer.
She had a long career in the produce industry, working at Victoria Farms, Full Sail Produce, Pacific Provisions, JC Produce and, most recently, Fresh Connect, where she was Chief Sales Officer.
“Barb was one of the most passionate people I have ever known and she just loved the produce business,” said Andy Siegel, her longtime friend and business colleague at Fresh Connect. “I met her more than 30 years ago and each day she could surprise me with a new, creative way to sell one of our products.”
“Barb worked with us at Frieda’s for quite a while, and it was like having a sister. She became like family for all of us here, and she will be sorely missed,” commented Karen Caplan, President of Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “She made everyone here feel very special – especially, my mother, Frieda. She had a way of touching your heart.”
She is survived by her husband Randy Metheny, her grown children Lara Holland, Kurt and Grant Metheny; the loves of her life, grandchildren Luke and Liah; two older brothers, Gary and Mike and younger sister Kim. Sid, the wonder dog, her best furry friend for 14 years passed away June 2011. Her constant companion was her new puppy, Nesbitt, a Schnorkie SPCA rescue.
Born October 3, 1952 in Oklahoma, Barbra grew up on a farm with her parents and grandparents. She was a passionate advocate of American agriculture, loved American farmers and believed they are the back bone of our economy. Barbra’s passion for fresh produce is why sales and marketing in our industry was her profession for the last 30 years.
Barbra’s favorite quote was, “If the grass is greener on the other side, WATER YOUR GRASS!”
Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 11:00 am.
Wayfarers Chapel
310-377-1650
Open Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Visitors Center Daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
5755 Palos Verdes Drive South
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
For more information, contact Andrew Siegel, Fresh Connect. 312-670-7879.
Source: Frieda's Inc.
