William Alfred Stewart was born September 19, 1930 to Horace and Flossie Stewart, the youngest of 5 children, in Atwood, Kansas. When he was 7 years old, his family moved to Richmond, California; then later to Manteca where he graduated from High School. After graduation, he joined the California National Guard at Stockton and proudly served his country from 1950-1956. In 1953 he met the love of his life, Helen Pankratz. They were married in Turlock and built their first home there in 1955. They were blessed with Celebrating 65 years of marriage this past year. Bill began his produce career in Turlock in 1956, also that year his first son Jim was born. In 1957, he accepted a job at Pacific Fruit & Produce Company. In 1958 he was promoted to Branch Manager and moved to Oxnard. There Sheri was born, and four years later second son John followed. Another promotion in 1965 brought the family to Kingsburg, and he later became Western Division Manager. In 1980 a new company WES PAK was formed where he was President and Director until 2000. It was gratifying to him to have both sons work with him in this company. He was well respected because of his integrity, honesty, generosity, humor and friendly personality that led to many lifelong relationships. In 2000 he was honored with a Canadian award that had never been given to a non-Canadian for outstanding contribution to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. He also enjoyed serving 20 years on the Fresno State Ag Governing Board.