b'with the research side of things. It was a good setup. We com-plemented each other well. Tom had a knack for seeing the big picture, figuring out where we should steer the ship next.The pair witnessed the turf and forage seed sector survive its many incarnations over the years.When Tom and I took over from our late father, the seed industry really was mainly forage seeds: timothy, alfalfa, clover,DESPITE THE ODDS, HE BELIEVED IN ME AND GAVE bromegrass. The corn guys, they were playing down in their own corner in Chatham, Ont., and soybeans were a very smallME THAT CHANCE TO PROVE MYSELF.niche at that timesoybean was pretty much relegated toChris McDowellsouthwestern Ontario. Canola was unheard of, Martin says.In the 1960s, when seed regulations changed in Canada, Tom saw an opportunity with a new type of timothy in Manitoba.He went out there, met with growers, made connec-tions. Next thing you know, were diving into wholesale, even expanding internationally, Martin says. Tom was relent-less. Thats just how he wasa hardworking, dedicated guy through and through. And you know, it paid off. We built something special together.Kurt Shmon, owner of Winnipeg-based Imperial Seed, knew that side of Tom Pick well. They worked together at Pickseed for over 20 years.Instead of just telling you how things worked, he showed you, patiently explaining each step along the way. This approach was invaluable in my role, and its something I strive to do with our staff here at Imperial Seed, Shmon says.One vivid memory stands out from the early 90s when Shmon was helping install new seed cleaning lines at Pickseeds Winnipeg operations.It was my first real exposure to the depth and thorough-ness of Toms knowledge. Toms understanding of the intrica-cies involved was impressive. His grasp of the operational side of seed cleaning and the industry as a whole was evident. I remember being so impressed at how much Tom knew, and I learned so much from him.Tom was active in the global seed industry, serving as presi-dent of the Canadian Seed Trade Association and on the boards of the American Seed Trade Association and the Federation Internationale de Semences. In 2013, Tom spearheaded the sale of the Pickseed Group of Companies to DLF Trifolium, a Danish multi-national. He retired that year.His retirement life focused on countless projects at the farm including woodworking, tapping maple trees and rebuilding antique cars, a hobby hed enjoyed since he was a teenager.Back when we were still in high school, Tom and his buddy embarked on restoring a Ford Model T from scratch. Can you imagine? They put in the hours, the sweat, and probably a few choice words, but in the end, they got it done, Martin adds. He was just an all-around driven and dedicated person. JULY 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 5'