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

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.”

About FMI

As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. www.FMI.org