Mervyn Voth ’40 passed away on Dec. 21, 2014. He was 96.
Born in Wasco, Calif., on Sept. 18, 1918, to Henry and Susan, Voth left the San Joaquin Valley to attend Redlands.
At Redlands, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Nu fraternity and the Associated Students. He also played basketball and tennis—his love of tennis continued until the age of 91.
In 1942, he graduated from Stanford University with his master’s degree in business administration and then went to work for Douglas Aircraft Company, leaving in 1944 to serve in the U.S. Marines in the Pacific Theatre.
After serving his country, he joined the family’s farming operation in Wasco. During his more than 25 years in the business, he organized several of his own farming entities, including Mervyn Voth Farms, Mervyn Voth Enterprises, North Kern Packers Inc. and Agri-Business Center.
In addition, Voth was an active member of numerous professional farming organizations, including Western Growers Association, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, Kern County Farm Bureau and Blue Diamond Cooperative.
He also served his community and alma mater. He was president of the Wasco Rotary, a member of the Wasco City Council and a board member of the Kern County Boy Scouts. For the University, he was a member of the George P. Cortner Heritage Society helping to secure a sustainable future for current and future Bulldogs.
He is survived by his wife, June; his son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Sharon; his daughters and sons-in-law, Gini and Dave Bishop and Bobbi and Steve Mele; his six grandchildren; and his 12 great-grandchildren.
