In Support of Paul Friday Memorial Services
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Paul Jan Friday
June 24, 1941 – July 31, 2026
Paul Jan Friday, 85, formerly of Coloma, Michigan, passed away on July 31, 2026, in Venice, Florida, near where he had made his home in recent years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Marguerite Friday, and his sister, Susan Friday. Despite living with Parkinson's disease for many years, Paul remained determined to live life fully and stay active until an illness about seven months ago left him unable to regain his strength. He will be laid to rest in Bradenton, Florida.
Paul possessed the mind of an inventor and an unwavering curiosity. He was constantly seeking better ways to improve products, processes, and the world around him. His vision, leadership, and innovation made a lasting impact on the farm market and peach industries. He was a founding member of the Paw Paw Lake Rotary Club, served as President of the National Peach Council for 15 years, served on the board of the Michigan Peach Sponsors for many years, and contributed to numerous other organizations throughout his career.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Paul received Distinguished Service Awards from both the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the National Peach Council, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Peach Sponsors.
For more than 30 years, Paul owned and operated Farmer Friday's Market while farming for most of his life. Among his greatest accomplishments was developing and patenting at least 37 peach varieties in the renowned Flamin' Fury peach series. His vision was to create a peach for every harvest window, from early to late season, a goal he successfully achieved. His work helped extend Michigan's peach-growing season, and today his varieties are grown throughout the United States and in several other countries.
Music was another lifelong passion. An accomplished musician, Paul played the piano, organ, clarinet, and saxophone. He performed with several bands throughout Southwest Michigan and managed the popular Moonlighters big band. Playing with the Moonlighters brought him tremendous joy, and he remained an active member until relocating to Florida in 2023.
Paul was equally known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor. He always seemed to have a joke for every occasion and eventually compiled many of his favorites into a joke book. Later in life, he discovered yet another outlet for making people smile by performing stand-up comedy in St. Joseph and South Haven.
He also enjoyed sharing his thoughts, stories, and observations on Facebook, where his regular posts reflected his humor, creativity, and unique perspective on life.
Above all, Paul will be remembered as a devoted farmer, accomplished horticulturist and mentor, inventive thinker, talented musician, and a man who never stopped learning, creating, or looking for ways to make things better. His warmth, generosity, humor, and remarkable curiosity touched countless lives and left a legacy that will endure for generations.
He is survived by his wife, Luiba Friday; his daughter, Carol Moshier (Kevin); his son, Brenden Friday; his stepdaughters, Katerina Friday and Marina Agapova; and their collective families. He was also cherished by many extended family members, lifelong friends, colleagues, and members of the agricultural community, all of whom will miss him deeply.
The family has entrusted arrangements to Luiba Friday. Those wishing to share memories or leave condolences may do so at here as well.
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- Created Aug 01, 2026
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