George Stephen Sibbett

Steve Sibbett On November 17th, Steve Sibbett passed away at home at the age of 82. Steve was born in San Francisco, California to George and Elizabeth Sibbett. He and his family lived in San Francisco where he grew up and graduated from Lowell High School. Steve went on to earn a bachelor's degree in pomology at the University of California Davis and a master's degree in plant science at the University of Arizona. Steve met his wife, Ruth, while on a blind date in San Francisco. They were married in 1966 and moved to Visalia, California after he took a position as a farm advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension for Tulare County. Steve and Ruth went on to raise their children in Visalia and enjoy over 55 years of marriage. Steve was very active in the agricultural community as a farm advisor for nut crops, olives, apples, and pears. He was a prolific researcher, collaborating with Tulare County growers to improve and expand crop production in the county and throughout the state of California. He consulted internationally, advising on nut crops and olives in Egypt, Greece, Mexico, Israel, Argentina, France, Italy, and Australia. Steve also served on the founding committee of what would become the World Ag Expo. Steve loved fishing and hunting with family, friends and colleagues. He especially treasured his trips to Alaska and cross-country road trips to hunt and fish. Steve could often be found cooking delicious meals for his family and working in his vegetable garden, distributing his produce to friends and neighbors. Steve is survived by his brother, George Ewing Sibbett II, his children, Andy Sibbett and Stephanie Sibbett Brutocao, niece Elizabeth Sibbett Anderson, and grandchildren, Nathan and Anna Brutocao. Graveside services were held at the family cemetery in Mankato, Minnesota. Steve was laid to rest next to Ruth who passed away in October 2021. A memorial service for Steve will be held in Visalia in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Creative Center, 606 N. Bridge St., Visalia CA 93291. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

George Stephen Sibbett

March 1, 1940 - November 17, 2022