Dr. Dwight Douglas Minami, agricultural business faculty from 1975 to 2018 and an area produce industry expert, passed away on Sept. 20. He was 76.

He was born in Chicago where his parents were able to relocate after their government-forced incarceration at Poston War Relocation Center (Arizona) following the issuance of Executive Order 9066. After World War II, the family returned to Reedley and established Wm. Minami Packing Co. which grew, packed, marketed and shipped stone fruit. After receiving his undergraduate degree from UC Davis, he joined the family farming operation and handled marketing and sales, and eventually managed the business.

He was active in many organizations representing California agriculture. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League (now the California Fresh Fruit Association) and the California Tree Fruit Agreement. His extensive contacts and extensive knowledge of the Central Valley industry created many internship and employment opportunities for students and alumni.

Read more in a Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology story about the retired faculty member’s legacy. Remembrances may be made in support of Fresno State agriculture at the bottom of the Ag One Foundation In Remembrance Page.