The Yakima Chief Hops team shares with great sadness the passing of Ramon Silva, the longest serving employee in the Yakima Chief Shipping / Logistics operations.  Ramon was hired on December 15th, 2000; and worked through many different iterations (name changes) of our present-day company.  However, his history with the hop industry goes back even further than these 20+ years.  Prior to joining our organization, he worked at Carpenter Ranches, starting in the 80’s. 

Although not widely known outside the shipping operations, Ramon had an out-sized impact across the hop industry.  If you are a grower, Ramon was a careful custodian of your quality hops, making sure they were placed in the hands of your discerning customers.  If you are a brewer, Ramon was an individual who ensured your hops were pulled in the correct quantity, packed with exceptional care, and placed in the hands of a reliable carrier who would deliver this vital ingredient to your brewery.  If you are a Yakima Chief employee, Ramon was family.

 Ramon was a humble man with an exceptional work ethic.  Retiring from Yakima Chief in 2018, he subsequently returned, working for YCH in a part-time capacity.  A little over a year later, as soon as retirement rules allowed, he asked to return in a full-time capacity, and we welcomed him back with open arms.  Ramon worked many different positions in the hop industry, over the years, but his most recent years were spent in the finished goods warehouses that facilitate shipping to our many brewer customers.  Most of these recent years were spent working in the Yakima FGX, but the last year was spent working in the Sunnyside FGX. 

 After his transfer, Ramon commented on how much busier, and faster-paced the SS-FGX operation was.  Concerned for his well-being, he was asked if he’d prefer to stay in the YK-FGX.  He answered, “no, I like it here and I like to stay busy”.  Ramon was never one to complain and readily helped his fellow employees whenever they needed any assistance.  Among the fondest memories of Ramon were his constant smile, warm greetings whenever encountered and his unending positive attitude.  All in the FGX operations looked up to Ramon as a “father figure” and in the FGX’s, he was thought of as the “Patriarch of the Yakima Chief shipping operations”.

 Ramon Silva 

Although not as well known as many of the iconic individuals in the hop industry, Ramon was truly iconic in his own right.  His contributions over the years touched individuals across the spectrum of the hop industry (growers, brewers, fellow employees & beer lovers worldwide).  Working behind the scenes, bundled up against 32-degree temperatures in a warehouse (year-round) and driving a forklift, Ramon touched the lives of many, and made them all better.  This unsung hero of the hop industry likely personally handled many millions of pounds of quality hops, ensuring they got into the hands of the world’s finest brewers. 

Cheers to Ramon Silva, who was among the finest of us! 

Ramon, our brother, may you rest in peace…

Remembrance written by Dane Allison, YCH Logistics Director