Thomas Furness Lester

(1918 - 1988)

Newfoundland & Labrador

Born in St. John's, Newfoundland, Thomas Furness Lester came back to the family farm following graduation as an honour student from Prince of Wales College.

An active supporter of co-operatives in Newfoundland, he helped organize what is now known as Eastern Farmers Co-operative. A strong advocate of co-operative vegetable marketing, he was the first chairman of the Newfoundland Vegetable Marketing Board. He was active as well in promoting agricultural fairs and was highly regarded by agriculturists for his knowledge of agriculture, its early development and ways to promote the industry.

Always concerned for the well being of his fellow farmers there were very few farmer organizations, committees or associations formed in his surrounding communities over a 40 year period that did not benefit from his guidance, input and support. Tom Lester could always be counted on to help those around him as best he could. Recognizing the need for protecting land suitable for agricultural production, he joined with others in dealing with this issue.

Nominated by the Eastern Farmers Co-operative and supported by the Newfoundland Federation of Agriculture, the contributions of Thomas Furness Lester merit his recognition by The Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.