Archie Mishkin passes away

Tobacco industry veteran E. “Archie” Mishkin passed away on Oct. 30, 2012. Mishkin was 94 and had lived in Ketchum, Idaho, USA, since his retirement in 1985.

After serving in the U.S. army during World War II, Mishkin worked as an accountant in New York City and Havana, Cuba. While in Cuba he became a partner in a tobacco leaf dealer. In the 1950s, he became president of Bayuk Cigars in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which manufactured brands such as Medalist, Admiration and Garcia Vega.

Mishkin was an innovator in the popular price cigar industry. His company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and in 1976 relocated its headquarters to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In 1982, Bayuk sold Garcia Vega to General Cigar Co. and Phillies to Havatampa Cigar Co. Mishkin stayed on with a two other employees to wind down the affairs of the company which was closed in 1985.