PVGA stalwart farewelled

PVGA STALWART

FAREWELLED

Words by Glenys Christian

Former Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) president and life member, Lex Wilcox, has been remembered as a stalwart of growers and an outspoken champion of country of origin labelling.

He passed away in mid-June and many local growers gathered for his funeral service at the Pukekohe Indian Hall. Lex was born in 1933 to proud parents Sid and Bell, who had recently bought a Union Road farm which later became the base for what is now AS Wilcox. He attended Feilding Agricultural High School, coming home to help his father, and was followed by brothers Henry then Ross, the company AS Wilcox being formed in 1954. Lex Wilcox married Mary Harper from Onewhero in 1958 and they had two children, Glen and Jan.

Lex was recognised as the driving force behind AS Wilcox, getting the company involved in the export of onions to Japan with neighbour and friend, Stuart Chapman. He was also quick to recognise the benefit of dealing directly with the supermarkets. He remained managing director of AS Wilcox until 2003 and retired as chairman of the board in 2007. He was a Justice of Peace, rotarian and loved all aspects of rugby, also playing tennis and golf. Kylie Faulkner, the president of the PVGA, spoke at his funeral saying he was a very charismatic and passionate man.

It seemed to me that Lex lived and breathed vegetables – in particular onions and spuds,” she said.

The respect he was held in throughout the industry was shown by the attendance of Horticulture New Zealand president, Barry O’Neil.

Lex Wilcox – lived and breathed vegetables

Lex joined the PVGA as a young man and served in a range of positions for 40 years. His national representation began in the 1970s when he was first elected to Vegfed’s Potato Division as the Pukekohe delegate. He became chairman of this group then later chairman of the Potatoes Board, and was made a life member of Vegfed. He chaired the Franklin Sustainability Project from 1997 until 2003, continuing to ensure it was adequately funded. “We will be forever grateful for this work as it truly changed the way we approached growing and farming in our area,” Kylie said. He was in his element during last year’s PVGA’s centenary, retelling old stories and offering advice to younger growers. “He wanted to share his love of vegetables with whoever crossed his path.”