Past president for Refrigerated Foods Association, Harry Seifert, passed away Oct. 26 at his home. Seifert was the founder and former owner of Winter Gardens, Inc., New Oxford, Pa. He served the RFA as secretary, treasurer, vice president, conference chair and president, and was the visionary and founder of the former Refrigerated Foods Association Foundation, a mentoring program that aided at-risk children. He also established the Young Managers’ Committee, a group formed to involve today’s younger generation and lead to the rise of current RFA president Brian Edmonds; vice president, George Bradford; and past president, Mark Reser. Seifert also founded the Past Presidents’ group, which provides guidance and wisdom from previous RFA leaders.

As RFA president, Seifert’s goal was to remain a “teenager”—open to new ideas, excited about the future and continuously evolve and grow. His efforts with the RFA earned the attention of big names, including Dave Thomas (from Wendy’s) and General Colin Powell.

One of Seifert’s most remembered sayings came from a company meeting when conversation became tense and the stress level rose. He gently reminded the group, “We’re just making potato salad.”

Seifert leaves behind wife June A. (Rothermel) Seifert, five children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was also predeceased by a daughter and two sisters.

Seifert’s funeral will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. A viewing will be held at Feiser Funeral Home on Nov. 1 from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Aid Society, 343 Lincolnway West, New Oxford, PA 17350.