July 2015 • The Shelby Report of the West
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Food Industry Hall of Fame I can only imagine the number of friends and associates that will want to congratulate Bob Wilson on his retirement and recognize the contributions he has made not only to the industry but to all of our lives. Bob is one of those few people you meet in life that truly just gives to others without regard to recognition. He is always the first to show up when there’s work to be done. He takes responsibility and follows through, and his aim in life seems to be to make things better for everyone he meets. Bob is known by virtually everyone in the industry and he helped make the industry in the Bay Area what it was to many of us who spent our careers there. He included everyone in the events he planned and he never met a man or woman he didn’t befriend. He has been a role model for many both in his career and particularly in his personal life, and we feel blessed to have known him and be a part of his life. Jay & Rojon Hasker Safeway Bob and Laura Wilson are flanked by The Shelby Report’s Bob Reeves, left, and Paul Christianson, right.
“I love what CGA does for education, how they keep you informed on what’s going on in the industry and their effective lobbying efforts,” Wilson said. Wilson is also deeply involved in civic work, serving on a number of boards: City of Hope, Easter Seals, Muscular Dystrophy, Junior Achievement and Special Olympics, to name a few. He plans to continue serving the community now
that he is retired. He and his wife Laura recently moved to the foothills of El Dorado Hills, California, to be closer to their three children and nine grandchildren. “It’s great to still be close to the Bay Area but out of the hustle/bustle of the traffic and craziness—a
Wilson checking out the exhibit booths at a CGA event.
Bob Wilson and Dave Dimond.
I know Bob through the WAFC, CGA and the Northern California Sales Managers Club’s HiJinks events, and through Jerry Whitmore. Bob was the one that Jerry brought to our lunch outings. Jerry and I always took turns paying, but it seems that Bob NEVER paid, except once in Hawaii. Just along for the free ride. He has always been a supporter of the “Over and Above” things that this industry does. He epitomizes what the Illuminators stand for: “Education*Leadership*Partnering.” My wife Chryl and I have got to know Bob and Laura through the years and there are no better examples of GOOD PEOPLE. Bob deserves the honor. I am proud to know him. Thank you, Bob. John Eagan VP/Senior General Merchandiser Costco Wholesale
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Bob Wilson is a man who puts others first, well before thinking of himself. That quality in the competitive work environment is not the norm. He loves to assist others in their desire to succeed. The “I” word that Bob is known for is his integrity! That alone is why Bob Wilson has made a difference for the companies he has represented. Working beside Bob for over 18 years at Dreyer’s, never once did he infringe on my position through our friendship. We worked and played hard and had one goal in mind—do the right thing for the business as though it was our own! Congratulations, Wilson, you are most deserving! Luv ya! Jim Vlamis Dreyer’s (retired)