Oppy remembers Gerry Gaston
The Canadian produce industry has lost one of its great characters and most trusted hands with the passing of Gerry Gaston on February 18, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born February 11, 1943, in Kirkland Lake, a Northern Ontario mining town that he famously referred to as “the center of the universe,” this grounding shaped a life defined by integrity, loyalty and an unwavering belief that business is, above all else, about people.
Gerry devoted 28 years to Vancouver, BC- based fresh produce grower, marketer and distributor Oppy. He began his career behind the wheel as a delivery driver, bringing fresh produce to local customers. He moved into the warehouse before finding his stride in sales, where he would spend most of his career before retiring in 2001.
Specializing in Washington potatoes and onions, along with citrus from Texas and Florida, Gerry developed deep expertise in the complexities of the produce business. He understood markets, margins and relationships — and how each depended on the other. His reputation for fairness strengthened not only his own standing, but also Oppy’s brand and bottom line. Over time, Gerry became a shareholder in the company, a testament to the trust he earned internally as well as externally.
He championed industry initiatives, working closely with the BC Produce Marketing Association to promote the “5 to 10 a day” program and encourage greater fresh produce consumption across Canada. He believed deeply in the value of what the industry provided and wasn’t shy about expressing it.
Gerry was known for his legendary, impeccably timed humor. He had a gift for storytelling and an unmatched ability to make colleagues, customers and friends laugh.
“Gerry brought a positive attitude to every situation,” said John Anderson, Oppy’s chairman, CEO and managing partner, who worked alongside him for more than a quarter century. “He believed in showing up — and in standing by people when it mattered.”
When customers or friends were in the hospital, Gerry was there to visit. When a teammate needed advice, he offered it — sometimes wrapped in good-natured teasing, always grounded in experience and care.
Gerry was a longtime chairman of the Oppy golf tournament, relishing his role as host and connector. He dressed as Santa Claus at many Oppy Christmas parties, posing for photos with teammates and their family members.
Gerry and his beloved wife, Brenda, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last December. A devoted father to Jeff, Sherri and Tammy (Todd), he took immense pride in his granddaughters, Makenna and Caitlin, and found great joy in watching them grow into accomplished young women. During a quarter century of retirement, Gerry and Brenda travelled extensively, exploring the world together and creating memories with their family.
Gerry Gaston leaves behind a legacy that transcends sales numbers and seasons. He leaves a standard of fairness, loyalty and humor that shaped a generation of produce professionals.
