Founding member of historic Columbus-area fruit farm dies
John “Mitch” Lynd, the longtime Ohio apple grower who transformed his family’s Lynd Fruit Farm into a Central Ohio staple, passed away on April 17 at the age of 83.
The family-operated farm, which dates operations back to 1919, draws thousands of people each year for apple picking, fall activities, and cider making. The obituary reads
“As a fruit grower he was recognized as an innovative thinker and clear communicator and served the apple industry in many different capacities at both the state and national levels. He was awarded the Apple Grower of the Year award in 1995 by American Fruit Grower magazine and was inducted into the Licking County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2016. His most notable contribution to the industry was his co-founding of what became the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, from which came the apple Evercrisp now planted world-wide. His leadership led to the U-pick apple experience at Lynd Fruit Farm enjoyed by generations of families for over fifty years. As significant as his contributions were to the apple industry, his legacy of loving his family was even greater.”
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Lynd Fruit Farm shared a statement about his passing on the farm’s social media pages today. It reads:
“Mitch Lynd passed away Friday April 17. He was a fantastic husband, father, Grandpa, and a friend to so many. He spent his life making Lynd Fruit Farm what it is today. Many met him through his successful daylily venture. He was awarded the Apple Grower of the Year award in 1995 by American Fruit Grower magazine and was inducted into the Licking County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2016. His most notable contribution to the industry was his co-founding of what became the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, from which came the apple Evercrisp now planted world-wide. His leadership led to the U-pick apple experience at Lynd Fruit Farm enjoyed by generations of families for over fifty years.”
You can read the full obituary here. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 21, in the orchard at Lynd Fruit Farm at 9199 Morse Road SW in Pataskala, with a celebration of life service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alexandria Baptist Church, where Mitch was a lifelong member (P.O. Box 8, Alexandria, OH 43001)
You can also read our print profile on the multi0-generational farm work still happening at Lynd’s below, it originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Stock & Barrel.
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