News

Dear Growers,

We are deeply saddened to share that our dear friend and Turlock Walnut Company colleague,
Marcus Lema passed away on September 8th.

Marcus came to work for Turlock Walnut in December of 2016 as our Grower Relations Manager. With a strong background in sales, we knew he would be a major asset in acquiring new growers. Although he knew many people in the agriculture industry, ag sales and walnuts were uncharted territory. Knowingly facing an uphill battle and being up for the challenge, Marcus was able to network himself into the walnut industry by putting relationships with friends and growers first. He would win everyone over with his stories and sense of humor.

As we started to notify Marcus’ growers of his passing last week, with each phone call it became more and more apparent how much Marcus genuinely cared about each and everyone of his growers and their families. Marcus’ gift was making people feel appreciated and heard. He would take extensive notes about his growers interests, whether it was a type of whiskey or a favorite sports team. He would keep tabs if a family member was sick, or a son or daughter who was doing well at sports. You could guarantee the next time you saw him he would show up with that bottle or ask how that family member was doing. That’s who he was as a person and who we experienced everyday at the Turlock Walnut plant.

Marcus was a friend to so many. He was an outstanding employee and ambassador for Turlock Walnut and truly loved his job. Most of all, Marcus was a loving husband and father to his wife Tina and son Noah. Marcus is greatly missed and we appreciate everything he has done for his family, friends, growers and Turlock Walnut. May he rest in peace.

As we move into walnut harvest, please contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,
Kevin Kajioka, General Manager
209-605-2300

FUNERAL DETAILS:

Wednesday, September 22nd
- Viewing from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. at Whitehurst Norton-Dias Funeral Service located at 286 West Main Street in Turlock
- Rosary Service at 7:00p.m. at Our Lady of Assumption located at 2602 S. Walnut Road, Turlock

Thursday, September 23rd
- Funeral Mass at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption located at 2602 S. Walnut Road, Turlock

Should you wish to contact Marcus’ family, their address is:
1063 Hartwick Avenue,
Turlock, CA, 95382.