The Good Fruit Grower staff was sad to learn that Cal Bosch, a longtime editor of the magazine, died July 14. He was 94 years old and was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Calvin Henry Bosch was born May 31, 1930, in Eastern Montana. He eventually settled in Yakima, Washington, where he served as editor of Good Fruit Grower from 1955 until his retirement in 1984.

But he didn’t really retire.

Bosch took his boundless enthusiasm for the tree fruit industry out on his own with Cal Bosch Advertising. He and wife, Myke, served a select clientele with a handful of clients, including Van Well Nursery.

“We probably worked with him for 20 years,” said Pete Van Well, who recalled Bosch coming up with the name for the apple sport Super Chief, a Red Delicious strain.

“He was really good at helping us build our brand,” he said, adding that Bosch’s connections were extensive. “Back in the day, when I was young, Cal knew everybody. He wasn’t at the Good Fruit Grower anymore, but he knew everybody. Just a good guy.”

A memorial for Bosch will be held Oct. 19, 1 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 5606 W. Lincoln, in Yakima. Memorial contributions can be made to Christ Lutheran Church.

—by Shannon Dininny