Azusa, California, United States: Anthony W. ‘Tony’ LaFetra, President and CEO of Rain Bird Corporation, has passed away.

He will be remembered as a passionate business leader whose work has had a lasting impact on the irrigation industry, generations of Rain Bird employees and the community.

During LaFetra’s tenure, the small irrigation company in Glendora, California was built into the international market leader it is today – a company working hard to promote The Intelligent Use of Water around the globe.

LaFetra led the company’s transformation from a manufacturer of brass impact sprinklers, primarily used in agriculture, to a leading provider of irrigation products used worldwide in landscapes, golf courses, sports fields and farms. He stated that: “The irrigation industry brings moisture to crops and landscapes when the skies do not.”

LaFetra joined the business in 1964, first serving as a Plant Manager and later taking on the roles of Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and then Executive Vice President. In 1978, he succeeded his mother, Rain Bird’s co-founder, Mary E. LaFetra, as President and CEO.

LaFetra’s tenure was highlighted by innovations that revolutionised the irrigation industry, from the world’s first computerised central control system for irrigation management in the 1970s to the launch of sub-surface drip irrigation to save water and reduce the need for herbicides.

LaFetra stood for quality in everything he did. He set high expectations for himself, for Rain Bird, and for its employees. Those who knew LaFetra know that he believed that values are integral to achieving success. LaFetra was a model of integrity, humility, hard work and care for others.

An advocate for education, he earned bachelor’s and MBA degrees from Stanford University. He was a life-long learner and placed high value on the education of Rain Bird employees. Many employees at Rain Bird attribute their college educations, advanced degrees and less formal education to the support that Rain Bird has provided to them over the years.

Outside of Rain Bird, LaFetra sat on the boards of directors of several universities. He most recently sat on the Board of Trustees at the University of La Verne, and he donated generously to establish the LaFetra College of Education. LaFetra once shared: “I know that education transforms lives … so I dedicate my gift knowing we can impact generations of future teachers and students.”

LaFetra was also passionate about giving back to the community. He instilled these values at Rain Bird, encouraging employees to donate their time to local communities. He himself supported many organisations, including but not limited to, the Theodore Payne Foundation, Citrus College Foundation, California Native Plants Society and the United Way.

In his free time, LaFetra enjoyed fishing and hiking and the botany of the Southern California deserts and mountains. On weekends he would escape to his cabin in the nearby mountains, where he was known to enjoy improving his property using his bulldozer.

LaFetra encouraged Rain Bird employees to enjoy time outside of work and to take care of their health. He promoted exercise, positivity and gratitude.

He is survived by his two children, Suzanne LaFetra Collier and Michael LaFetra, his sister Sarah Lynne Ludwick, his brother-in-law Art Ludwick, as well as four grandchildren.

In extending its condolences to LaFetra’s family, RainBird issued a statement saying: “Tony will be sorely missed. He performed his job with distinction. May he rest in peace.”