Alan Gibson George

Alan Gibson George was born on October 6, 1924 in Visalia, California. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the town he cherished, on April 14, 2019. Alan graduated from Visalia High School in 1942 and joined the United States Navy shortly after. He was very proud of his 3 � years of service during WWII, spending part of his time on the aircraft carrier, USS Bataan.. On his 21st birthday in 1945, he received the Purple Heart medal for combat injuries suffered on board during the Battle of Okinawa. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he graduated from UC Berkeley and began his career with the University of California as a cotton farm advisor for Tulare County Cooperative Extension. It was during his career, he met a very young JoAnn Ledbetter on a blind date. After dating for 1 year, they married in September 1950. They enjoyed a very active married life raising 2 children and enjoying many wonderful trips including multiple cruises on paddlewheelers (Alan's favorite). Many other trips were spent visiting outside of California plus cruises to Mexico (with the Gadabouts), Alaska, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal. One of Alan's proudest moments of his career was when he and 3 local farmers took on Washington DC to plead their case in eliminating the One-Variety Cotton Law here in California. If they had not done that, the success of cotton in this state would not be what it is. Another highlight of his career was being able to take a sabbatical leave from the University of California and teaming up with the McCarthy Bros. of Tulare (1963-64). Their plan was to experiment growing cotton in New South Wales, Australia (a region similar to the Valley). He packed up the whole family for the adventure of a lifetime. One of the best years ever! And, the cotton continues to thrive there. Besides his successful career with Tulare County Cooperative Extension, he became very active in the community volunteering his time and, also, became an advocate for preserving the history of Visalia where he resided for 94 years (minus 1 year of sabbatical leave in Australia). He belonged to many local committees and organizations including the Tulare County Historical Society (President 1981-83), Tulare County Grand Jury (Foreman 1992-93), Beautification Committee for the City of Visalia, Restoration of the Fox Theater committee, and was instrumental in the Nature Conservancy (Sequoia Riverlands Trust) acquiring the property for the Kaweah Oaks Preserve in 1983, for which he became known as "Mr. Oak". He volunteered many hours helping to plant and maintain many of our local parks, including assisting in the creation of the Ralph Moore Rose Garden at N. Hall St. and Main St. He was very proud of his many awards, some of which included Visalia Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year (2010), induction into the COS Hall of Fame (2005), serving as Grand Marshall (along with wife, JoAnn) of the annual Candy Cane Lane Parade (December 2007), and having an area of the Seven Oaks Park named after him � The Alan George Oak Grove. Although he was very proud of his many awards and accomplishments, he was most proud of his 68 years of marriage to "the love of his life", JoAnn, who survives him. Also surviving him, is his daughter, Kathy (Visalia); his son, Randy (Arroyo Grande; and his very much loved grandson, Jeff Lillibridge and his wife, Emilie (Maryland). He is also survived by nephew, Blaine Graybill and niece, Sabrina Gilland; cousin George Weddle and wife, Sandy; cousin Betsy Peterson and husband, Jay. A big thank you to all of his very special friends who have supported him in his adventures over the years and shared special memories along with putting up with his teasing. Your friendship meant so much to him. We know we (his family) won't be the only ones who will miss him! Also, a big thank you to the Silveira family and staff at Casa Grande who provided a warm and loving home to both Alan and JoAnn and helped all of us get through the rough moments. We appreciate you! And, to Kaweah Delta Hospice, Dr. Roach, and Linwood Meadows assisting in making him comfortable, when there was a need. A memorial service will be held at Salser and Dillard on May 8, 2019 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, we suggest making a donation to the Central Valley Honor Flight organization, Sequoia Riverlands Trust (Kaweah Oaks Preserve), or the charity of your choice. Condolences can be made to www.salseranddillard.com

Alan Gibson George

October 6, 1924 - April 14, 2019