Robert Brody

Robert (Bob) Brody died in Wenatchee on Oct. 17, 2023. He was 87 and lived in the Wenatchee Valley for more than 50 years. Bob moved to Wenatchee in 1965 when he started a construction company. In 1967 he bought his first apple orchard and was the owner/operator of King Blossom Natural Orchards for 50 years. Bob was one of the first certified organic apple and pear growers in Washington state with most of his acreage located in Okanogan County. He leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity. One of his greatest accomplishments was helping many long-time employees achieve citizenship. As a leader in the Washington state tree fruit industry, Bob served on many industry associations, boards and committees including the Washington Apple Commission, the Washington State Horticultural Association, the Washington Association of Apple Growers, the Washington State Farm Bureau and the Association of Washington Business. He was an agricultural advisor to Senator Slade Gorton and Representative Doc Hastings. In 2009 he was named Apple Citizen of the Year by the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival. Bob valued education and was a life-long learner. He graduated from Walla Walla College with a bachelor’s degree in education and taught sixth grade for one year. He was chairman of the board of Cascade Christian Academy and on the board of trustees of Walla Walla College. In 2017 the Chelan County Farm Bureau created a scholarship in his name. Bob was an accomplished musician; he could play drums, the piano, the guitar, the trombone but his favorite was the ukulele. He loved listening to live music, jazz in particular. He served three years in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany where he developed his love of music and traveling. On discharge, the National Guard asked him to help train recruits which he did as a reservist. Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte, his daughter Kari and son-in-law Bruce, and a large extended family in the Wenatchee area. He will be laid to rest in a private service, next to his son, Robby, who preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Chelan Douglas Farm Bureau Bob Brody Scholarship. A Graveside Service will be Friday, October 20, 1:00pm At Wenatchee City Cemetery, 1804 Western Ave., Wenatchee. Arrangements in the care of Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.

Robert Brody

April 22, 1936 - October 17, 2023