Richard “Dick” Symms
Richard “Dick” Symms

Richard “Dick” Symms, patriarch of the Caldwell, Idaho, Symms Fruit Ranch, died July 13. 

After attending college and completing his military service in the Air Force, Symms returned to the Symms Fruit Ranch, leading it to become the largest fruit company in Idaho, according to an obituary from the family. He also developed Ste. Chapelle Winery, the second largest in the Northwest, and he co-owned an irrigation company in Nampa, Idaho.

He served on numerous industry groups, including the Idaho Horticulture Society, the Idaho Apple Commission, the Idaho Cherry Commission, the Idaho-Oregon Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Northwest Horticultural Council.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Malone Symms; children Mary Symms-Pollot, G Dar Symms and David Malone Symms; sister Ginger Kleweno and brother Steve Symms.

by Ross Courtney

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