HOUSTON, TX — Richard Ireland Hoskins III passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024. He was 74 years old. Fondly known as “Pie Guy,” he died on the official National Pie Day.
Hoskins was born in Dorcester, MA, and graduated from the University of Dayton in 1972 as a chemical engineer. At 29 years old, he became a divisional president at a Fortune 500 company.
In 1985, Hoskins fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning his own business. Through this family business, Colborne Foodbotics, he pioneered innovations that became baking industry standards still in use today. However, it was his passion for the baking industry and, above all, people, that built his legacy.
“When I think of our history as a family in the industry, the one thing that stands out is how admired and respected my dad was as a leader,” said his son, Richard “Rick” Hoskins IV. “That didn’t come from technical knowledge or experience; it came from his endearing heart, big smile and love for other people. Sure, he knew as much or more about the technical aspects of the industry and business as anyone in the room … but it didn’t matter if you were a customer, employee, vendor or even a competitor. He wanted to know the person he was talking to before he would talk ‘business.’ He just refused to be transactional. This is something that I have tried so hard to replicate.”
Hoskins was an industry leader, co-founding BEMA’s Baking Industry Forum and serving as the association’s board chair in 2005. He also served as chair of the International Baking Industry Exposition committee in 2010 and spent countless years leading the American Pie Council, which is still led by the Hoskins family today. Hoskins was named to the baking industry’s “Influential 20” in 2009, and in 2019, BEMA honored Hoskins with the Fred Springer Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Rich was a strong leader who led with confidence, wisdom, energy, kindness and always with a listening ear,” said Kerwin Brown, president and CEO of BEMA. “He led in a way that was easy to follow. His impact on these organizations and on the industry was substantial and will not be forgotten.”
Industry friends and colleagues joked that Hoskins never really retired; he spent his free time with an insatiable thirst for risk and adventure. He was known for continuously expanding his horizons, whether in the air, on the water or with his 1976 Harley Davidson Sportster.
But no passion stood above his family, including his wife of 54 years, Linda, and his children and grandchildren. He spent countless hours spectating, coaching and supporting them in their various endeavors.
Today, Hoskins’ son Rick serves as CEO of Colborne, and he carries on the values — in business, as well as industry leadership and service — set by his father.
“I am so proud of being his son, and it never bothers me to be compared to him, good or bad, or even the pressure of trying to live up to his legacy,” Rick said. “I know, regardless of the comparison, I was fortunate enough to learn from him.”
Hoskins is survived by his wife Linda Hoskins; children Rick Hoskins (Nicole) and Lysa Hynes; and grandchildren Richard Ireland Hoskins V, Riley Ann Hoskins and Braden Thomas Hoskins. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Ireland Hoskins Jr., and mother, Alice Cleverly Hoskins.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.
