Former Vons president Bill Davila dies

Longtime industry veteran William S. Davila died on Friday after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Western Association of Food Chains reported.

Davila began his career at Vons in Southern California in 1950 and was named president and COO in 1984. He also was president of WAFC until 1991.

He retired from Vons in 1992, but remained president emeritus and spokesman for the chain, which is now owned by Safeway. Davila was honored by the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business as the Food Industry Executive of the Year in 1994.

“He was a generous, gracious and giving man who mentored many throughout the years,” said Carole Christianson, COO of WAFC, in a note announcing Davila death. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy.

Further information was not immediately available.

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