The commemorative statue of Mahatma Gandhi keeps watch over the farmers at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco. Yesterday, in the spirit of the Halloween season I suppose, the statue was adorned with garlands of flowers.
This month (October 2) marked the 136th birthday of this great leader.
A few days before this date, Jeff Young, one of the most outstanding farmers at our market, passed away from a long-term illness. Jeff's peaceful demeanor, cheerful eyes, and kind smile reminded me of Gandhi, so perhaps it was no small coincidence that his farm stand was positioned under the direct gaze of the statue of this advocate for non-violence.
Jeff (pictured left, from the CUESA website) was particularly well-known at our market for his pristine lettuces and beautifully arranged bouquets of fresh flowers that he grew on a small 2.5 acre farm in Watsonville, 90 miles south of San Francisco. His stand was a routine stop on my market forays, and I never failed to be stunned by the beauty of his perfect little gem lettuces, tiny green and yellow zucchini, or his bunches of basil with the roots still attached.
Amongst farmers, he was renowned for being the first farmer to arrive at the market, always set up and ready to go well before 6 am. In his most recent newsletter, fellow farmer Andy Griffin of Mariquita Farm wrote that Jeff's farm was a "little jewel-like epitome of everything you might imagine an organic farm to be."
Jeff is survived by his wife Noelle, who along with friends will continue to run the farm and farm stand until the end of the season. We will all sorely miss Jeff's warm presence and offer Noelle our sincere condolences. The memorial was held at his farm last Sunday.
Oh, that makes me so very sad. A photo of his bouquet was what I used to make the birthday card for a "Happy Birthday, Chez Panisse" entry back in August. What a loss to our farming community.
When I complimented him on the bouquets, which are truly extraordinary, he gave all the credit to his wife.
Posted by: Tana | Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 05:19 PM
What a nice tribute.
Posted by: Kalyn | Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 06:17 PM
What a touching tribute. It is purveyours like this that keep the spirit and love of food alive.
Posted by: tara | Wednesday, November 02, 2005 at 11:53 AM
I had a touching moment today that I would have like to share with Noelle. I had been buying salads, flowers, and basil from Jeff for years. He was a beautiful man. I do not go much to the farmer's market these days, but went today with my daughter. We went to Star Route to buy salad, but they were out by 11:00. My daughter said "Papa salad is over here." She too my hand and walk me around the corner to where Jeff and Noelle used to me. "Where did he go Papa?" She asked. I had a moment remembering Jeff and how much I mess him. "Where is the salad papa?" She asked again. "I miss him too, Margaux, I miss him too." I said as we held hands and remembered.
Posted by: ken pefkaros | Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 05:22 PM