Oct 6, 2010

CMI mourns Glady Bellamy

Glady Bellamy, president of Columbia Marketing International, Wenatchee, Wash., died unexpectedly Oct. 1. He was 58.

Bellamy was born in Goldendale, Wash., in 1952 and raised in central California. After earning a business degree, he moved back to Washington state in 1974 as a sales associate for Tennaco West. In 1980, he became the sales manager for Beebe Orchards, and operated in this capacity for nine years, according to a press release from Columbia Marketing International.

In 1989, Bellamy started CMI with partners Nick Buak, McDougall and Sons Inc. and Columbia Fruit Packers. As president, Bellamy helped guide CMI from 1.8 million cartons annually to one of the largest shippers/growers of apples, pears and cherries in Washington state. As an active member of the Northwest tree fruit community for nearly four decades, his contributions helped shape the progression of the industry through times of dramatic change, according to CMI.

“Glady was a fantastic individual who cared deeply for his family, colleagues and business associates, cherishing his relationships and holding them close,” Nick Buak said. “Glady believed in the future of our industry and leaves a legacy that will last for many generations to come. He will be dearly missed by all.”

A service will be held Oct. 8 at Wenatchee Free Methodist Church. For more information, call Telford’s Chapel of the Valley at 509-884-3561.

A scholarship fund has been established in Bellamy’s name, to support college education for the Northwest fruit industry. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute may send donations to Washington Apple Education Foundation, 2900 Euclid Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801. Please note the Glady Bellamy Memorial Scholarship on your contribution.