Clermont, FL – Bob Besix, Senior Vice President of Sales for Giorgio Fresh, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Besix was 60 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife, Lisa, and his children Chase and Laura.
An industry veteran, Besix had an extensive career in the produce industry, starting at Ralston Purina squeegeeing the floors in the growing rooms. By the end of his career, Besix worked his way up to be senior vice president of sales at Giorgio Fresh.
Throughout his life, Besix displayed a strong work ethic and an understanding of people that propelled him upward on his journey. As the company changed hands, Besix learned and grew each time, eventually earning him the position of packing room supervisor. It was there he caught the eye of his soon-to-be mentor, Aden Hillsman. Realizing he had a gift for understanding people, Hillsman assigned Besix to the Kansas City area for sales, with nothing more than a map of the area to go on. Besix soon owned the local mushroom market.
Following that success, Besix was deployed to cover the Southeast region when Monterey Mushrooms purchased Terry Farms in 1999. In 2003, he joined Country Fresh Mushroom as a regional sales manager, eventually working his way up to senior vice president of sales and marketing. When Giorgio acquired Country Fresh Mushrooms in 2019, Besix continued to serve in his role.
Besix also enjoyed a number of unique career milestones, including serving on the Mushroom Council board from 2017-2019.
“Bob was the most positive person in his outlook and was a friend to many of his associates,” said Greg Sagan, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Giorgio Fresh, “Even in his final days as he fought against cancer, he expressed deep concern and compassion for the team.”
“Bob was truly a remarkable example of love for others, and one I should follow. He will be sorely missed,” reflects Joe Caldwell, President Giorgio Fresh Co.
In his personal life, Besix was known as a man who supported and loved his family. Besix was an avid fisherman, griller, and lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed frequent camping trips, many with his family. Besix was also respected as a coach and referee for high school basketball.
Bob Besix was so loved and treasured by everyone that knew him and will be so dearly missed.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials in Bob’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://stjude.org/ or the American Lung Association https://www.lung.org/
A celebration video of Bob’s life can be found here: https://www.beckerfamilyfuneral.com/obituary/robert-besix
