VALENCIA, CA - Former President & CEO of Sunkist Growers Russell Hanlin Sr. has passed away this week, on April 11, 2017, at age 84.

Hanlin served as President and CEO of Sunkist Growers for 20 years and was elected President Emeritus upon his retirement in November of 1998, according to the company. Prior to becoming President, Hanlin served the company in several capacities, including Vice President of the Products Group and International Advertising Director. 

As a leader in global trade throughout his career, Hanlin was appointed to four Presidential Commissions by three U.S. presidents. His appointments included being nominated to the President's Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiation by Presidents Carter and Reagan, the President's Export Council by President Reagan, and the President's Commission on Executive Exchange by President George H. W. Bush.

Hanlin was inducted into The World Trade Hall of Fame for his work in opening overseas markets to American products and received the Maple Leaf award for promoting trade and understanding between the United States and Canada. He also served as Chairman of the Los Angeles Vancouver Sister City Committee. For his commitment to trade activity in Japan and his service to The Japan America Society of Southern California, where he served as Chairman Emeritus, the Emperor of Japan awarded Hanlin The Order of The Rising Sun with Gold Rays & Neck Ribbon.

Involvement in his local community was important to Hanlin. For 17 years, Hanlin served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Woodbury University. He was a Director of both the Los Angeles and California Chambers of Commerce and served as Chairman of The National Council of Agricultural Cooperatives, Chairman of United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and a member of The U.S./Hong Kong Economic Council.

More recently, Hanlin served as Chairman of Progressive Beverages, Inc. and The Old Pasadena Management District.

Hanlin leaves behind his wife, Norma and an extended family of three adult children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

The AndNowUKnow team would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this loss.