A Goulburn Valley businessman and orchardist, who led the former Ardmona Fruit Products through a time of great change, has died.
Ross Turnbull died on Thursday, March 3, aged 82.
Mr Turnbull was the fourth generation of a pioneering, Ardmona fruit growing family.
He was elected to the board of Ardmona Fruit Products in 1976 and the family became a major shareholder of the Mooroopna-based company.
He became the chairman of the board in 1980 and held the position for 23 years, overseeing the 2001 merger of SPC and Ardmona Fruit Products.
The two fruit processors were in competition for fruit supply and market share, and faced turbulent times in the 1980s.
Ardmona developed industry-leading packaging technology during this period and the company was also able to achieve a record profit.
Mr Turnbull served as secretary/treasurer of the Ardmona Fruitgrowers Association for many years.
He was the chairman of the Tatura Research Station Advisory Committee and also served on the board of Northern Pear Growers until 1991.
Mr Turnbull and his wife, Daphne, have supported many community programs such as the annual Shepparton festival, including hosting the Opera in the Orchard in their garden at Findon House, Ardmona for many years.
Mr Turnbull is survived by Daphne, sons Chris, Alex and Philip and daughter Veronica.