Tyson Foods former chairman dies

Don Tyson, former chairman and chief executive of Tyson Foods, the world’s largest poultry processor, has passed away at the age of 80 after a brief illness.

A statement from current Tyson president, Donnie Smith, said that Mr Tyson was famous for his “play hard, work hard” ethos and his “no bad days” outlook on life.

“Don’s passing will be mourned by all who knew him, especially his family, his countless friends, and business leaders and associates in Arkansas, across the country and around the world,” he said.

As well as a skilled businessman, overseeing a massive expansion of the company in the 1970s and 1980s, Don Tyson was also a renowned fisherman and philanthropist. He was a founder of the Billfish Foundation, which promotes the catch-and-release of marlin and other billfish.

A small, private family service has been planned and a public memorial service will be held at a later date.

* Founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, Tyson Foods today supplies customers throughout the USA and in more than 90 countries. The company has approximately 117,000 employees at more than 400 sites and generates a turnover of over $24bn.

Read the full obituary for Don Tyson here.