Howard always displayed a sense of decorum and professionalism that he brought to every Blue Diamond event. He was a stabilizing figure during a trying time for all almond growers, and he helped make Blue Diamond Growers the industry powerhouse it is today. —Mel Machado, VP of Member Relations, Blue Diamond Growers Remembering Howard Isom, Former Chairman of Blue Diamond Board January 4, 1933 – November 15, 2022
W. Howard Isom, who served as Blue Diamond Growers' chairman of the board for 16 years, passed away in Chico, California, November 15, 2022. After graduating cum laude from Chico State University with an accounting degree in 1960, Howard spent time in San Francisco as a CPA before returning to Chico to start Matson and Isom Accountancy. He ventured into farming first with a prune orchard in 1964, followed by almonds, walnuts and grapes. Over the years, Howard expanded both his accounting firm as well as his farming operation. When one of his farming partners, Fred Montgomery, stepped down from the Blue Diamond Growers board in 1988, Howard replaced him. Of the 18 years on the board, Howard served 16 as chairman. In that role, he witnessed statewide almond production grow from 300 million meat pounds to more than 1 billion pounds. Blue Diamond responded with investments in new processing technology and enhanced innovation to develop new almond-based products. Current Blue Diamond Chairman Dan Cummings noted how Howard’s production and financial backgrounds served the cooperative well. “Howard brought to bear valuable business and financial insights to the benefit of Blue Diamond from his very
successful accounting business background. He was a leader in his community and at Blue Diamond , serving as chairman of the board for 16 of the 18 years he was on the board of directors.” Blue Diamond Vice President of Member Relations, Mel Machado praised Howard for successfully guiding the co-op through a particularly stormy time in the industry. “Howard always displayed a sense of decorum and professionalism that he brought to every Blue Diamond event. He was a stabilizing figure during a trying time for all almond growers, and he helped make Blue Diamond Growers the industry powerhouse it is today.” Howard also held a myriad of other leadership roles, including director of CoBank in Denver and North State National Bank in Chico. In addition, he was active in the community and helped form the Chico Economic Planning Corp., was a Chico Rotary member for 50 years, and was a strong supporter of Chico State School of Agriculture, Enloe Hospital, Butte Humane Society and many other local groups. Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Isom (née Anderson), and her daughter, Paige Skillern. He is survived by his children, son-in-law and grandchildren.
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