Posted on: Tuesday, June 5, 2001

Founder of Tropical Fruits Distributors dead at 87

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Harry M. Nishida, founder of Tropical Fruits Distributors of Hawai'i, died May 31. He was 87.

Nishida was born in Pu'unene, Maui, on Feb. 2, 1914, the son of a farmer. Nishida was in the pineapple business for most of his life, working in all phases of the industry.

In 1965, he founded Tropical Fruits Distributors and catered to the needs of local residents and visitors who wanted to take fresh pineapples and papayas to the Mainland. Nishida's daughter, Gloria Wu, said her father's business was based on trust and the "honor system" of payment.

"His policy of faith in people led him to very prosperous results and a following among the tourists and local people," Wu said. "He believed that people are honest by nature and if you trusted them 'one can't go too far wrong.'"

Nishida retired in 1993 when he sold the company.

A memorial service is set for 4 p.m. Sunday at Nu'uanu Mortuary.