Baloian Farms' patriarch, Ed Baloian, has passed away at the age of 92.  Even despite health issues over the last few years, he was a constant presence at the office every day until the last few weeks.

A family friend and past employee said of Ed, “If I could use one word to describe Ed, it would be genuine.  This humble man did things because he cared.  To see his beaming smile when he shared his history, his beliefs, or his family was contagious.  He was a man who looked you in the eye, told you what he thought and would always stand by your side if you asked.”

Ed was a second generation farmer and understood the value of hard work.  He worked side-by-side with his father growing and distributing fruit and vegetables throughout the Fresno area.

After serving in World War II, Ed returned home to Fresno to continue his family business, the Charles Baloian Company.  In 1965, he created Pam-Pak Distributors to represent grower products throughout the U.S. and Canada, and in 1986, Ed and his son Tim started Baloian Farms which has grown into one of the largest pepper and vegetable production companies on the west coast.

Tim Baloian, Ed’s son and current President of Baloian Farms said, “My Dad had an enthusiasm for life and a respect for people that he instilled in us as a family and within our business.  Our business is an extension of his passion – the idea of doing something good and meaningful that helps others is what farming is about – we grow healthy food that helps people.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to work side-by-side with a man rooted in faith that showed me through his actions, the importance of honesty, hard work, and generosity.”

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns, & Blair Funeral Home on Friday August 8, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and a Memorial Service will be held at G.L. Johnson Chapel at the People’s Church on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 11 am.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Fresno Rescue Mission: PO Bo 1422; Fresno, CA 93716 or Seeds in His Garden; PO Box 919; Seaside, CA 93955.

AndNowUKnow would like to offer its deepest condolences to Ed’s family and friends.