Gladwin Ray Bellamy

Gladwin "Glady" Bellamy, Jr., 58, of East Wenatchee, WA, died suddenly Friday morning, October 1, 2010, at his home, of natural causes. He was the son of the late Gladwin Bellamy, Sr., a lifetime entrepreneur and his wife, Ruth (Groves) Bellamy. He was born on January 11, 1952, in Goldendale, WA. Glady lived his life with Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy. He was raised and educated in Lodi, CA, where he developed his personable nature. Glady learned a work ethic early, balancing academics, athletics and work. When he was 15, he took his first job at Lodi's R&J Packing, thus beginning his passion for the business of fruit. Glady graduated from Lodi High School in 1970. He was a writer for Lodi High's "The Flame" newspaper and named Lodi High's Senior Athlete of the Year for his skills on the basketball court. In 1970, he was co-winner of Lodi High's coveted James Conklin Sports Award for his four years of outstanding play and was inducted into the Lodi Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. After high school, he was graduated from Sacramento State College with a degree in business. Just out of college, Gladwin worked in the fruit industry in the LA market, representing Blue Anchor. He was then sales associate for Tenneco West Inc. in Bakersfield, CA. Early accounts included selling cherries for Prosser Fruit in Yakima, WA and selling for Beebe Fruit Co. in Chelan, WA. In the late 1970s, Glady left Tenneco and joined Beebe as a full time Sales Manager and Representative. In 1989, Glady joined Nick Buak, McDougall & Sons Inc. and Columbia Fruit Packers Inc., to found Columbia Marketing International (CMI), a major Washington tree fruit marketing firm. Up until the time of his death, Glady was actively involved as President of the firm. As President, Glady helped guide CMI from 1.8 million cartons annually, to one of the largest shippers/growers of apples, pears and cherries in Washington State. As an active member of the Northwest Tree Fruit community for nearly four decades, Glady's contributions have helped shape the progression of the industry through times of dramatic change. He was known internationally in the retail produce world and was noted for his moral fiber. He built his career based on a philosophy of respect for himself, respect for others and taking responsibility for all his actions. He believed in smiling when he picked up the phone and knew his clients and associates would hear that in his voice. He married the love of his life, Chris Irwin, on September 24, 2005, at Lake Tahoe, CA. Glady's many accomplishments include service on the Chelan City Council, participation on the Republican National Committee, participation in the Chelan City Basketball League, organization and passionate participation in the Chelan Apple Classic and eight years service on the Washington State Apple Commission, Board of Directors. Glady was noted for avoiding rumors, things from the past or things beyond his control. Rather, he believed it was better to invest our energy in the positive and the present. His survivors include his wife, Chris Bellamy, at home in East Wenatchee; two sons, Tom Bellamy of Wenatchee and Robert Goodwin of East Wenatchee; a step-son, Eric Schmidt of Seattle; a step-daughter, Stephany Schmidt of Wenatchee; two brothers, Doug Bellamy of Elk Grove, CA and Terry Bellamy of Stockton, CA; two sisters, Barbara Wells of Pomona, CA and Becky Taylor of Severance, CO; and his faithful working colleague family and innumerable friends. A Celebration of Life for Glady was conducted at 2:00 p.m. in the Wenatchee Free Methodist Church, located at 1601 Fifth Street in Wenatchee. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Apple Education Foundation, c/o the Glady Bellamy Memorial Scholarship Fund, 2900 Euclid Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

Gladwin Ray Bellamy

January 11, 1952 - October 1, 2010