John A. Cartales

I started in the grocery industry in the mid 1970's in Portland, OR with Carnation Company. For many years Safeway was my headquarter account and I had many occasions to talk with Mr. Cartales. He truly was a mentor for me in the industry and what I learned is immeasureable. Thanks, and my condolences go out to Helen and family.

After I finished painting John and Helen's house we continued our traditional morning coffee meetings known as "SAVE THE WORLD." From all indications we did succeed. I sure have my work cut out for me from now on.

Our families spent many happy times together in the early 50's in Seaside when Gene worked with John. Then later in Vancouver and then in Salem in the 60's. We have good memories of the times we spent together and tried to keep in touch over the years. Now the two of them can connect again. Helen, my love and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Grace Lowe and family

I spent 23 years with Safeway and managed 7 stores.Two of which John was district manager. In the 23 years with Safeway 3 1/2 I worked with John. I learned more about the grocery business during those 3 years working with John than the other 20 years. I consider John a great friend and mentor. After leaving Safeway for my own business John would stop to make sure things were going allright. My family and I will miss his great smiles and kind heart.
Love Jim and Cleo Vickers

I worked with John in Seattle, Portland and Norcal divisions while representing Procter & Gamble. In my 32 years in the grocery industry, John was the best toward demonstrating passion for the business and compassion for the people. He was a great man in every respect. John bought me lunch 2 years ago when he was in Seattle. I will never forget it. He is my favorite person I have met in the industry.

One of my fondest memories of living in New York City is the evening that my friend Mary's father, John Cartales, joined us for dinner on West 72nd Street during a visit. He was so enthusiastic about getting up at the crack of dawn to go out and see produce vendors in action. We were all invited to go along. I must admit that I always wished that I had taken him up on his offer to see the City in an entirely new light. Over dinner just a couple of weeks ago I told that story to a group of...

Mr. Cartales as I always called him
was a great inspiration to us all.
It was obvious he enjoyed life and
was respected by many. I always
enjoyed him coming to Aerobics at
the Safeway Bread Plant. I worked 23 years at the Portland Main office. God be with you all and my condolences.

My grocery career paralled John's from the Independent side of the tracks. He was a friend and mentor for nearly forty years. He was as interested in the independents being successful as he was the Safeway employee successes. He frequently came thru Sisters on his way to check his stores on the South 97 corridor. He always left me with the feeling that I had gone thru a Safeway inspection and I always learned from it. He will long be remembered by the entire "Grocery Industry Family"

I first met John some 30 years ago as I was entering the grocery busines in the Portland market. While working for Hershey Chocolate Safeway was one of my headquarter calls and I learned more from John than any other retailer I called on. John was the type of man who truly took an interest in you as person but on the business side he made you think and challenged you to find innovative ways to sell your product. John always like to say "romance the product you are selling". He was a fine...