The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) was saddened to learn of the passing of Gary Arthur on December 26. Gary had been courageously battling multiple myeloma.

Gary had a long and distinguished career in the seed industry. He was known for his enthusiasm and love of the seed industry, as well as his leadership in the industry on the state, national and international levels. His passing truly marks the loss of an industry legend.

Gary received his Bachelors degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Agricultural Sciences from Southern Illinois University. The majority of the work done for his Masters was performed in Brazil.

His professional career started in 1974 with F. S. Services, as a corn breeder. While the majority of his career was with Holden’s Foundation Seeds, Gary continued his involvement with the company after it was purchased by Monsanto. Following his tenure as President of Holden’s, Gary consulted with Beck’s Superior Hybrids.

His contributions to the seed industry were many and included ASTA, Indiana Seed Trade and Indiana Crop Improvement Association. Gary’s leadership in ASTA was well known and respected. He held a number of leadership positions and worked tirelessly in various committees and divisions within the Association, including: Corn and Sorghum Division; Intellectual Property Rights Committee; Biotechnology; International; Membership; Board of Directors; and Executive Committee. He was elected as Regional Vice President and Second and First Vice Chairman. Due to his illness, however, Gary was unable to assume his duties as Incoming Chairman.

Internationally, Gary also served with distinction and effectiveness within the International Seed Federation on its Board and sections. He routinely represented U.S. seed interests in various fora and was an effective advocate and spokesman on many issues, including intellectual property rights protection; essential derivation and dependency; and benefit sharing.

In 2003 Gary was named the Association’s Honorary Member, the highest award given to seedsmen by past ASTA’s Chairman Sonny Beck. Gary will be sorely missed. Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy and two grown children.