Member discussion regarding the methods, varieties and merits of growing tomatoes.
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 5,931
|
![]()
It is with a heavy heart and the deepest respect for my dear friend the brilliant Fred Hempel that I share the news of his passing received from his family.
Fred was a legend in the world of tomatoes and his innovative work has and will continue to be a source of inspiration to so many. His friendship was a treasure to me personally and he will be so missed. I hope his friends in the community of tomato enthusiasts around the world may have thoughts to share so that his family can see the impact of his life and passion for tomato breeding This is the tribute written by his brother Stephen Hempel Frederick D. Hempel, 63, passed peacefully in the San Francisco Bay Area on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Fred was born May 11, 1960, in Flint, Michigan. He was raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan as the oldest of five siblings. His early love of nature led him to study Forestry and Ecology at Michigan State University and The University of California Santa Barbara. He went on to earn a Master’s in Range Management and a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Biology from The University of California Berkeley. Fred was a great father who loved his children and instilled in them a sense of curiosity, integrity and purpose. His life as a tomato breeder and farmer in Sunol provided a unique space of exploration as well as a living example of passion, drive and determination. Fred was an educator at heart. He diligently and humbly sought to broaden his own understanding of life, society, and the world around him. He enjoyed the exchange of ideas in an effort to open minds and doors for others. He was an accomplished scientist, writer and teacher. His understanding of plants and genetics evolved into his passion, and professional legacy, as a tomato breeder. His work developing new tomato varieties through Baia Nicchia, Artisan Seeds, and Bene Seeds garnered appreciation and praise from chefs, restaurateurs, gardeners, and fellow breeders world-wide. Those who know Fred also know of his love for his rescued Greyhounds and Galgos, SSC Napoli, the mountains, volleyball, and the music, artists, and authors that inspired him. Fred’s enduring spirit lives on in his children, Alex Hempel and Nicole Hempel. He is also survived by his father, Conrad Hempel, and his siblings, Marcia Geurink (Scott), Carolyn Schellenberg (Matt), Julie Hempel, and Stephen Hempel (Monali). The family will host a memorial celebration of Fred’s life in late December at a date and location to be announced in the coming days. Fred’s family extends heartfelt appreciation for all of the support received in this difficult time. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests donations to Native Seeds Search and SAGE Save A Galgo Español (links in the comments below). |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Tomatoville® Administrator
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: The Bay State
Posts: 3,207
|
![]()
He was truly a great guy. I’m speechless.
__________________
Mischka One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: North West Wyoming
Posts: 466
|
![]()
My condolences to his family.
Barb |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Northern Minnesota - zone 3
Posts: 3,231
|
![]()
Very sad and a shock. Too soon, such a loss to his family and this community.
__________________
Dee ************** |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Czech republic
Posts: 2,534
|
![]()
I feel sad. A great intelligent person who was always willing to help when needed has died. He will be missed by me and everyone on this site.
![]() Vladimír |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Tomatoville® Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Hendersonville, NC zone 7
Posts: 10,385
|
![]()
Oh my goodness. Devastated. I was lucky to meet him in Oregon at a conference in Corvallis Oregon in Feb 2020. What a huge loss
__________________
Craig |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Posts: 6,794
|
![]()
Stunned and saddened! He gave us so much to think about.
I will miss you, Fred. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Ontario
Posts: 3,893
|
![]()
I'm so sorry to hear the sad news.
condolences to Fred's family. Linda |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: north central B.C.
Posts: 2,310
|
![]()
I was deeply saddened this morning to hear of Fred's passing. Too soon indeed for all who were lucky enough to engage with him and enjoy the results of his excellent work. Wishing comfort and support for his family and loved ones.
He has left the world an enduring and delicious legacy. I will cherish even more the notes and seeds received from him over the years.
__________________
"He who has a library and a garden wants for nothing." -Cicero |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 985
|
![]()
Wow, I echo the words of many of you ..speechless, stunned and very sad. He, along with Dr. Carolyn, was one of my tomato gurus...someone that I really respected for their knowledge about tomatoes. He was very approachable and willing to share his advice on seeds, often including some extras in my order.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Back in da U.P.
Posts: 1,846
|
![]()
i did not know he was ill.
he and i grew up within a half hour of each other. and 63 is too young. thats my age. he was less than two months older than me. my condolences to his family. keith
__________________
don't abort. we'll adopt. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: MN Zone4b
Posts: 292
|
![]()
Very sad indeed. He will be missed.
__________________
Bitterwort |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 2,000
|
![]()
Such sad news. He will certainly be missed.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Central MN, USDA Zone 3
Posts: 302
|
![]() Quote:
There will be no new Artisan Farms tomatoes, and that's sad. His smiling face will not grace his friends' and family's presence, and that's tragic. But we can grow some of the varieties already released: l have some Benevento, Lucky, and Maglia Rosa seeds in my stash, for example. Fred, "we hardly knew ye"...but we were all touched. Thanks, and Godspeed. Sent from my motorola edge (2022) using Tapatalk
__________________
a day without fresh homegrown tomatoes is like... ...sigh |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Germany
Posts: 832
|
![]()
I will miss him
Anneliese |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|