David Murdock

David Murdock, who rose from humble beginnings to become head of the globe-spanning Dole food empire, died June 9, 2025, at his ranch in Thousand Oaks, California at the age of 102.

Born to a working class family, Murdock dropped out of high school and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Briefly homeless after returning from the war, he worked his way into the real estate business in the 1950s and '60s, eventually becoming a shareholder in several major corporations. In the 1980s, Murdock took over the Hawaiian firm Castle & Cooke, which at the time controlled Dole Food Company. He took the company public in 2009, and in the process also gained almost complete control of Lanai, the sixth-largest island in Hawaii, which he eventually sold to Oracle chairman Larry Ellison.

His relentless wheeling and dealing made him a billionaire many times over, and made Dole one of the largest and most well-recognized brands in the world. Later in life, Murdock also became deeply interested in promoting healthy lifestyles, becoming a pescetarian, advocating for plant-based diets, and contributing more than $500 million to the North Carolina Research Campus and David H. Murdock Research Institute, both of which he founded.

Jeff Gorrell, County Supervisor in Ventura County, California, paid tribute to Murdock on the social media platform X: "David was one of Ventura County's most interesting, eccentric and impactful personalities. He was a titan of industry - 28th wealthiest person in Southern Cal. His vision for Hidden Valley and Sherwood gave birth to a whole new ritzy developed community. He was a generous person. After Dole he focused on healthy diet and lifestyle, proclaiming he will live to 125. His philanthropy and health initiatives positively touched thousands. I was honored to know him and i benefited from his support over the years … His impact on Ventura County and the world will be forever felt. Rest in Peace Mr. Murdock."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: AP Photo/Ross Taylor)