News Room

Former Secretary of Agriculture John “Jack” Block Offers Condolences to Family of Dick Lyng

February 3, 2003
WASHINGTON, DC — February 3, 2003 — “I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the family of former Secretary of Agriculture Dick Lyng, a great public servant who passed away over the weekend,” said John “Jack” Block, executive vice president of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and president of the FMI Wholesale Division. Block served as Secretary of Agriculture under Ronald Reagan.

“As my deputy from 1981-1984, Dick provided loyal support and unmatched insight into the Washington political community and the intricate legislative process. I was extremely fortunate to have him on my team.”

“An outstanding contributor, he went on to become a critical member of the Ronald Reagan cabinet, offering leadership on a number of issues important to the American agricultural community.”

“Secretary Lyng leaves behind a wonderful, loving family and a wealth of friends and colleagues across the nation and around the globe. He will be deeply missed.”

Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org

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