Stemilt founder Tom Mathison remembered as a tree fruit leader and innovator

Stemilt founder and tree fruit pioneer Thomas Kyle Mathison passed away on December 26, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 82 years old. Born and raised on Stemilt Hill near Wenatchee, Tom was a third generation apple and cherry grower, intelligent businessman, and driving force behind bringing Washington fruit to the global marketplace.

Upon graduating from Wenatchee High School, Mathison joined the U.S. Army and fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the armistice as the war ended.

After the war, Mathison returned home to work on the family farm, which he came to manage after his father’s untimely death in 1947.


Tom Mathison and his grandson and Stemilt president West Mathison

Not unlike other family farming operations, the Mathison’s ran into tough times. After one particularly disappointing crop, Tom decided to invest in the business and began looking for new ways to improve the quality of his fruit at the marketplace.

He traveled to California to study the harvesting and packing techniques of growers there. Returning home with a wealth of knowledge, Tom implemented new methods and technologies in order to turn around the family business. 

After his innovations proved successful, Tom began packing for other growers and formally incorporated Stemilt Growers in 1964. His mission was simple: create long-term financial return to the land by building consumer demand. 

Among his many accomplishments, Tom played a key role in bringing Washington fruit into Japan and China, and also helped forge trade negotiations with Mexico.

Mathison was also a leader in organic and sustainable farming. In 1989, he began the forward-thinking Responsible Choice program, encouraging growers to reduce their use of chemicals and pesticides. His philosophy helped Stemilt become a leader in organic farming and sustainable business practices.

According to his grandson and Stemilt president West Mathison, Tom spent most of his life working to advance the tree fruit industry, through his passion for quality in the field, commitment to building relationships with customers and associates, and leadership in many industry groups.

“He lived a strong life of faith, work and family and for many, set a path of success and an example to live by,” said West Mathison. “His accomplishments and innovations played a huge part in advancing the tree fruit industry, while his character and down-to-earth style made a lasting impression on those around him.”

Mathison was a founding member of the Washington State Tree Fruit Research Commission, served in positions on the Washington Apple Commission, Northwest Fruit Exporters and many other industry groups. He also received numerous awards during his career, including Cherry King in 1971, the Sliver Apple Award in 1991, Apple Man of the Year in 1996, and Good Fruit Grower of the Year in 2002.

Tom also had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Presidents, state Governors, and many foreign ambassadors, to represent the tree fruit industry and its dynamics.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lorraine; son Robert (Cleta) Mathison; son Kyle (Jan) Mathison; and daughter Lavonne (Hans) van Someren Greve, all of Wenatchee; seven grandchildren, Aaron, Joyce, West, Tate, Susan, Lillian, and Steven; and six great-grandchilden, Adelaide, Gage, Finn, Jax, Rye, and Thomas.

There will be a public viewing at Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral services, open to friends, family, employees, growers, and associates, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. A private internment at Stemilt Hill Cemetery will be held following the services.

A celebration of life will be held at the Wenatchee Convention Center on March 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Thomas K. Mathison Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the Washington Apple Education Foundation, 2900 Euclid Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801, phone: (509) 663-7713; fax: (509) 663-7469.

Publication date: 1/5/2009

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