Former ASTA president and CEO passed away May 30 at the age of 84
Dr. Richard “Dick” Crowder, former ASTA president and CEO, was recognized in June 2023 as a Heritage Award recipient at ASTA’s Leadership Summit in Sacramento, CA. (Chris Lusvardi)
For more information, see the Third Quarter issue of Seed Today.
By Donald Wertman
Dr. Richard T. Crowder, American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) executive vice president and then president and CEO from 2002-2006, passed away May 30 at the age of 84 in the Hundley Center, South Hill, VA.
Known to his family as “Dickie,” he was known to the seed industry as “Dick” and at USDA and Virginia Tech as “Dr. Crowder.”
If anyone personified a “change agent,” Dick Crowder is the example. His extensive CV is easily accessed on the internet.
Remembering Dick Crowder
The following are remembrances of Crowder by individuals who interacted with him at ASTA.
“Dick Crowder was not only a consummate professional but a very special southern gentleman. He took the helm at ASTA when the organization was facing a number of challenges. Dick raised the Association to a level of effectiveness, respect, and prestige uniformly recognized and afforded esteem domestically and globally. Dick was truly unique in his expertise, insight and commitment to the seed industry and agriculture broadly. He was a great man who will be missed by all whom he touched and especially those who were privileged to work at his side.”
• Gary Kushner, General Counsel, Hogan Lovells, Retired
“Coming into the seed industry and ASTA in 2003 as an aspiring young seedsman, Dick Crowder enabled creation of Future Seed Executives, known as FuSE. This enabled eager, beginning seed people to have exposure to and gain prominence in the Association. He had a very positive influence on my career path.”
• Jim Schweigert, Gro Alliance, Past Chair, ASTA 2022-2023
“Dick’s passion and energy were contagious. His expectations of himself and those he worked with were as high as Everest. These expectations set the standard.”
• Risa DeMasi, GO Seed, Past Chair, ASTA 2015-2016
“I spoke with Dick two weeks ago, and he shared that he had a special place for ASTA and all of you in his heart and mind. To him, it was his favorite period of employment. I am privileged to call him a mentor and friend.”
• Andy LaVigne, President and CEO, ASTA
“I reminded Dick when we last spoke how much I appreciated his turning ASTA around.”
• Sonny Beck, Beck’s Hybrids, Past President, ASTA 2002-2003
“As a young person, I recall Dick helping me find my way in ASTA and correcting me, as well as encouraging me when needed.”
• Bryan Gerard, JoMar Seeds, Incoming 2nd Vice Chair ASTA
“I had the privilege and challenge of being the first elected Chairman of ASTA working with Dick as the first employed President and CEO of ASTA. This meant I had the distinct privilege and responsibility of executing his performance review. Can you imagine? I am forever grateful to Dick. The Monday morning after the June 2004 ASTA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, he called to congratulate me on the meeting. High praise from someone I greatly respected.”
• Donald Wertman, Seedway, retired, Past Chair, ASTA 2003-2004
Crowder was awarded ASTA Honorary Life Member status in 2006 and awarded the ASTA Heritage Award in 2023, an honor he deeply appreciated.
As said by so many, “Thank you, Dick Crowder.”