Nov 20, 2020

Michigan agriculture stalwart Fred Tubbs dies at age 82

Fred Tubbs, 82, of Hart, Michigan, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at his home. He is now reunited with his wife, Dianna, grandson, Collin Hansen, brother, Gary Tubbs, and sister, Ruthann Corliss.

According to his obituary, following graduation from high school, Fred married his high school sweetheart, Dianna Gamble, on Aug. 10, 1957. Fred and Dianna worked the land and fields of their many farms in Oceana County together for over 50 years. Fred became a highly respected agriculture leader in the sate of Michigan, serving on numerous boards and committees with the agricultural industry.

Cherry Marketing Institute’s Phil Korson and Julie Gordon issued the following tribute in honor of Fred Tubbs:

“Occasionally in life you are fortunate to meet an individual that truly makes a difference. Fred Tubbs is one of those unique people. Fred was a great mentor to young leaders and coached them to be the absolute best they can be. His leadership style was simple – work hard, always be honest and above all do what is right.

Doing what is right is not always easy and saying what’s right many times takes courage, especially when you know it is not going to be popular. He was a true grower advocate for the cherry industry, always putting industry concerns high on his priority list, often putting them before his self-interest. He always listened to all the issues cherry farmers faced and was focused on addressing all the concerns for the betterment of the industry.  He was tough but approachable. He always worked to find the middle on anything controversial at the board level. He would work hard to make sure everyone had their say and was a good listener. In the end, he seldom had split votes. Growers and industry stakeholders across the U.S. respected him and valued his opinion. He was everything a true ambassador should be with a strong voice of reason.

When it comes to teamwork and commitment to family and the fruit and vegetable industry, Fred and his wife Dianna Tubbs have written the book. Fred had a great vision and committed over 20 years of his life in leadership roles in the cherry and asparagus industry. He unselfishly gave his time and talents to serve as a representative on various board and committees throughout his career including the Michigan Cherry Committee, Michigan Association of Cherry Producers, Cherry Industry Task Force, Cherry Industry Administrative Board and the Cherry Marketing Institute.

He worked tirelessly and effectively in his various leadership roles to accomplish the goals of improving the cherry industry while operating a successful tart cherry, apple, peach and asparagus farm in Oceana County.

Fred was instrumental in getting stability back into the cherry industry. He built his farm operation into one of the model fruit and vegetable farm operations in Oceana County. He and his wife Dianna were recognized as the “Cherry Industry Couple of the Year” in 1999, and he received numerous other awards throughout his life.

He was an excellent farmer, a strong family man and dedicated leader. If there were a cherry industry hall of fame, Fred would be a strong candidate. Fred passed on Nov. 14, 2020 and is now back united with his loving wife Dianna. He was a man who gave his all and will never be forgotten.”

Fred leaves behind his daughter, Tamara (Goeff) Hansen; son, Tim (Susie) Tubbs; grandchildren, Blake (Falon) Hansen, Hunter Tubbs, Michael Tubbs, David (Hannah) Tubbs, Jacob (Mary) Tubbs, and Kristin (Neil) Sadler; his great-grandchildren, Peyton Hansen, Haegen Hansen, Brendan (Kim) Reid, Cole Hansen, Everett Tubbs and Carter Tubbs; his sister, Beverly (Larry) Foster; his brother, Tom Tubbs; and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family, and his best friend, Jerry Morley.

Cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Fred Tubbs Memorial Wall at the West Michigan Research Station, Attn: Fred Tubbs Memorial, P.O. Box 115, Shelby, MI, 49455.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.