Past president of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association, Joe Sardinha, passed away suddenly Saturday night. He was 52 years of age. He and his wife and family operated an orchard in Summerland.

Universally known as “Joe” to all he met, Sardinha was a popular president of the BCFGA from 2005 to 2011. Joe came to Canada with his parents in 1965 when he was 4.

“Joe’s death was totally unexpected. He loved his family, farming and the farm community. I speak for all tree fruit growers in saying we are deeply saddened by this news,” said Jeet Dukhia, President of the Growers’ Association.

He leaves his wife Julie and two grown children. His father Jack died only two years ago at the age of 77 years.

Files from Castanet