WFS Employee Honored 

Joe Wickham was recently honored at the 2007 Santa Barbara County Fair. He was recognized posthumously as one of two Agri-Business Persons of the Year.

A native of Avila Beach, Wickham passed away in November, 2006. The Fresno State University graduate was active in agriculture for more than 35 years, including 21 years with Western Farm Service. He played an influential role in various segments of local agriculture.

“Joe was always eager and willing to teach others about the business of agriculture,” Fairpark officials said. “He considered many within the agriculture communities of the northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties as part of his extended family.”

 “Although I was his supervisor, I looked up to Joe as a mentor, “ said Coastal Division General Manager Ken Nichols.  “He was a mentor to me not so much as a Western Farm Service employee or an influential advocate of agriculture, but as a person.  Joe continually donated his time and money to various organizations around Santa Maria.  Most of us talk about how we need to help others, Joe went out and did it.  He made a difference.”