William Matthew “Bill” Coombs of Corona del Mar, California, managing partner and CEO of DLJ Produce, died Oct. 9 surrounded by family after a five-year battle with appendix cancer. He was 63.
Born Aug. 20, 1963, in Upland, California, Coombs devoted more than 48 years to the fresh produce industry in a career spanning retail, wholesale and international trade.
Roots in retail
Coombs began working alongside his father before becoming a produce clerk at Smith’s Food & Drug Centers, advancing through store management and supervisory roles into senior produce leadership and completing his retail career as the chain’s divisional VP of produce and floral.
In 1996, he joined DLJ Produce, transitioning into the role of managing partner and CEO. Under his leadership, the company grew into a national and international business, expanding through imports, exports and sales of domestically grown crops, including its year-round Razzle Dazzle premium table grape brand.
“Bill was a mentor, true friend and pioneer,” said Mike Asdoorian, VP of DLJ Produce. “The impact he made on not only the produce industry, but also his generosity with charity organizations, will leave a lifetime legacy. We will continue to carry the same passion, excitement and drive that Bill showed to me over the last 22 years as a guiding light.”
Coombs had a passion for mentoring the next generation of produce leaders, shaping the careers of many who went on to leadership roles throughout the industry. In 2017, he received the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Norman H. “Buz” Bolstad Produce Achievement Award, and under his leadership DLJ was named Winn-Dixie’s Fresh Supplier of the Year for its Razzle Dazzle grape program.
Giving back
Giving back was an enduring part of his life. Coombs supported organizations focused on cancer research, veterans outreach and childhood food insecurity, a commitment reflected in DLJ’s annual Razzle Dazzle Veterans Day promotion, which brings retail partners together to support veterans, service members and military families.
Coombs is survived by his parents, Arthur and Patsy Coombs; his wife, Patti; daughters Amanda, Amie, Courtney and Cristin; and three grandchildren, Olivia, Preston and Avery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the GI Cancer Fund at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute or the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, where Coombs received care during his illness.
DLJ Produce was founded 30 years ago to connect the grower community with retail and foodservice customers. It offers local sourcing and global importing supported by cold storage, repacking, logistics and national distribution, marketing more than 300 conventional and organic fresh produce items. According to its website, it has offices in Long Beach, Fresno and Bakersfield.