Bill Coombs Remembered for Produce Leadership and Generosity
William Matthew “Bill” Coombs, managing partner and CEO of DLJ Produce, passed away Oct. 9 after a five-year battle with appendix cancer. He was 63.
“Bill was a mentor, true friend and pioneer,” said Mike Asdoorian, DLJ’s vice president.
Born in Upland, California, Coombs devoted more than 48 years to fresh produce, beginning alongside his father. He became a produce clerk at Smith’s Food & Drug Centers and advanced through management and supervisory positions, ultimately serving as divisional vice president of produce and floral.
He joined DLJ in 1996, helping develop a small brokerage into a business serving national and international markets. Under his leadership, the company expanded through imports, exports and domestic produce sales, building relationships with growers, shippers and retailers around the world. DLJ’s tribute also credited Coombs with guiding younger produce professionals, many of whom went on to become industry leaders.
The company’s expansion included development of a 50,000-square-foot cold storage facility, Pacific International Cold Storage and Pacific Packing.
In 2017, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council honored Coombs with its Norman H. “Buz” Bolstad Produce Award. The recognition celebrated his industry leadership and support for the council, including event sponsorships and company personnel serving on its board and committees. Accepting the award, Coombs thanked his father for introducing him to produce and his family for their support.
His charitable commitments included cancer research, veterans outreach and efforts to address childhood hunger. DLJ’s annual Razzle Dazzle Veterans Day promotion brought retail partners together to support veterans, service members and military families.
“I remember on one occasion, the FPFC was holding a charity event at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena and Bill won the grand prize of $25,000.00 dollars and without a blink, Bill signed the check over to the charity event,” said John Hein, owner of Specialty Fresh and a long-time friend. “This is just one example of the generous donations to our industry whether personally or through DLJ Produce.”
Coombs is survived by his wife, Patti; his parents, Arthur and Patsy; four daughters; and three grandchildren.
“Bill absolutely loved and was so proud of each of his daughters,” Hein said. “He loved talking about all the adventures as they were growing up so fast.”
Coombs family requested memorial donations to the GI Cancer Fund at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute or the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
