Raymond E. Passage

Raymond Passage held various positions in his 35-year career at Gerber Products Co. before retiring in the mid-1990s as director of worldwide agricultural operations. In that role, he was responsible for directing policy formulation for agricultural ingredient development and agricultural research programs for the corporation. He served as a leader with the National Food Processors Association and the Michigan Food Processors Association. He was also appointed to serve on the Michigan Marketing and Bargaining Board, served as a member of the MSU Agricultural Advisory Board and served two terms as a board member for the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He and his wife, Karola, have been long-time supporters of 4-H youth development, particularly work that takes place at Kettunen Center. Passage served as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee for 13 years and was co-chairperson of the foundation’s VISION 2021 campaign, which raised more than $3.8 million for the extensive renovations at Kettunen Center. Although no longer residents of Michigan, they continue to support the work of 4-H in Michigan through gifts to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, including a charitable remainder trust as part of their estate plan to support programming at Kettunen Center. They also serve as 4-H volunteers in the Florida community in which they now live.