David Hyde

David Grant Hyde passed peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side April 16, 2024, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Beth Hyde, sister Shelley Hyde of Grand Junction, CO, two children Brian Hyde (Stacy) of Visalia and Jennifer O'Kane (Ryan) of Kensington, CA. David was also very close to his two stepchildren Alexandra Havard (Bret Geckeler) and William Havard (Jamie). Grandchildren include Elise, Audrey, and Grant Hyde and Elliott and Oliver O'Kane. David was born in Visalia to Burrel Hyde and Daphne Grant Hyde in 1948. His sister Shelley came four years later. Playing golf was a big part of David's life. Growing up on the golf course, David got in plenty of trouble with the groundskeeper for messing up the hole behind his family home. His punishment was to pick up balls on the range without body armor, which of course made him a favorite target of those practicing their shots. David graduated from Redwood High School and then attended College of the Sequoias and played on the COS golf team. After COS, he transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ag Business and was part of the Cal Poly golf team that won a state championship. After graduation, David married Diane Gilbert and began to raise a family in Visalia. The Hyde family was one of the earliest pioneers and founders of Visalia, beginning in 1857, and figured prominently in Visalia's evolution, development, and advancement. David was a fourth generation Hyde of Visalia. His family originally was in the farming and dairy business with the operation of Hyde Ranch Dairy dating back to the 1920s. In 1926 the famous Hyde Ranch Dairy water tank was erected. This was a giant replica of a multi-story milk bottle, clearly noticeable at Highway 198 and County Center, marking the western gateway to the City of Visalia for many years. In the early 1960's, Hyde Ranch Dairy was sold and the holdings of dairy cows were converted to beef cattle operations in the local foothills, which are still operational today. David loved the cowboy lifestyle and the time he spent riding on his horse throughout Hyde Ranch while working the cattle. In his later years, you would find David making those same rounds on the ranch in his white Ford pickup, which was always dirty and dented-just as he liked it. In addition to being a rancher, David was a real estate developer in Visalia, overseeing construction of commercial buildings along the Highway 198 corridor. David loved Visalia and worked hard to help build a better community, especially mentoring the youth through sports. Alongside his father, Burrel, David helped start the Little League baseball program in Visalia. He coached the Visalia Red Legs for over 20 years. In the 1980's and 1990's David was an assistant coach for the College of Sequoias men's basketball team. David also served multiple decades at the Rotary Club of Visalia and was Club President in 1995. Over the years, David supported many philanthropic projects in town and was Visalia Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 2002. David had a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor. You noticed him when he walked into a room, not just because he was 6'4" but because of his charismatic smile and ability to make friends wherever he went. He was an extremely hard worker but also enjoyed playing cards and golf with the "Cowboys". David was a loving husband, father, and proud grandfather. He was a generous, honest, and humble man until the day he passed. He will live in our hearts forever! A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of David Hyde at the Visalia Country Club (625 N Ranch Street, Visalia CA 93291) on Monday, May 20th from 4 to 6 PM. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

David Hyde

September 15, 1948 - April 16, 2024