Jeff was born in Bakersfield, CA to Eloise Wynne Kilburn, and Harvey Maher “Mick” Kilburn Jr. After a family move to Dinuba CA, he received a secondary education at Dinuba High School and New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM where he graduated with honors. Jeff attended University California Los Angeles, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. He began helping with the family grower/packer/shipper business at an early age and went on to become a seasoned businessman with well over 50 years of field experience. In 2012 he retired from the produce business, and spent his remaining years in Sanger, CA. It was there that he would eventually pass peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by the unconditional love of his family. Amongst the things he loved were watching FOX News, cheering on his beloved UCLA Bruins, an occasional trip to the casino, and spending cherished time with family and friends. Most importantly, he managed the art of being a professional “straight-shooter” and telling it like it is. Although, he would tell you, that his greatest feat would be basking in the proudness he felt once all four grandchildren played in his backyard. He is survived by his mother (Eloise Kilburn), two sisters (Dana Brown and Nancy Kilburn), son (Nicholas Kilburn) and wife (Emily Kilburn), daughter (Cassidy Salinas) and husband (Kevin Salinas), and four grandchildren (Addisyn Kilburn, Kade Kilburn, Nash Salinas, Kroy Salinas).
A public graveside service will be held for Jeff on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba, CA. Following the service, the Kilburn/Salinas families would like to invite you to join them for a lunch reception honoring Jeff, to be held at Belmont Country Club in Fresno, CA.
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