Dedicated UDAF Employee Dick Wilson Retires
After 40 Years of Service

The year was 1965. Lyndon Johnson was president. “The Sound of Music” won best picture. The price of a first class stamp was five cents, and G. Richard “Dick” Wilson began a career with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food that would span 40 years.

“I have enjoyed the work very much, and am surprised at how fast the time passed,” said Dick today on his last day on the job as director of the Divison of Plant Industry.

In 1965 the state’s agricultural output was about $200 million, less than one-fifth of the $1.2 billion it generated in 2004. Onions sold for $2.80 per 100 pound sack in 1965, in 2004 they sold for about $10.00 per sack. Back then Utah had 16,500 farms that averaged 820 acres in size, in 2004 there are 15,300 farms that average about 750 acres each.

Things change over the years.

In 1965 the department was housed in the State Capitol Building, with the main office in room 412 on the fourth floor. Dick was in charge of the department’s one-man seed lab that was located in the basement. “I remember riding up and down in the elevator every day taking my seed reports to the fourth floor,” he said.

Business technology of the 1960’s was much different than it is now, he remembers. “We kept track of everything with manual typewriters then. We were really impressed when they introduced those IBM Selectric typewriters with the ball where you could change font types. Then the computer age hit with WANG computers that were simple word processors…and only a few people had them. Now everyone has the latest and fastest computers that perform many functions.”

Dick recalls how the Seed Lab moved from the Capitol basement to the State Archive Building located north and west of the Capitol. From there the lab moved to where it is now, in the department’s main building at 350 North Redwood Road.

Dick served as the supervisor of the Seed Lab and Inspection Program from 1965 to 1978 when he became the manager of the Grain, Seed and Feed Program. He held that position until becoming the division director in 1990.

“I think I will miss the people the most,” he added. “Both the employees and our customers have been remarkable. The people from the farms and ranches of rural Utah have something special about them that I am going to miss.”

During the past 40 years Dick has held leadership positions of various agricultural related boards and associations such as: Chairman of the State Weed Committee; Board of Directors for the Utah Crop Improvement Association; Chairman of the Gypsy Moth and Cricket and Grasshopper Decision and Action Committees; and the Western and American Associations of Seed Control Officials.

How did Dick manage to stay with one employer for 40 years? The simple answer is that he enjoyed the work. “My recipe for happiness in the workplace is to position yourself so you enjoy your work. Find work that is pleasing and rewarding.”

Dick was paid a visit during his office retirement party by Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. who wanted to personally think him for his years of dedicated service. The Governor presented Dick with a letter that read, in part, “As you reminisce on your years of dedication, may you feel a sense of satisfaction for a job well done. It is with my warmest regards and most sincere wishes for happiness and success throughout the years to come.”

Commissioner Blackham also congratulated Dick. “We are going to miss Dick Wilson and what he has added to the department,” said the Commissioner. “He has been a very organized, extremely responsible and professional leader throughout his career. I wish him a very enjoyable retirement,” he added.

How will I spend my time now? He asks. “I have a few gardening projects to complete around the house. I like to be out of doors working with plants. I think I will also work on a family history project and organize a family reunion.” Dick will also have more time to spend with his wife Jocile and their seven adult children.

Eventually I would like to offer my experience to help with some form of humanitarian assistance. I would like to serve a mission for the LDS Church, rendering assistance anywhere I can in the world.”

Posted March 14, 2005