Howard Kauffman Kirkpatrick

Howard Kauffman Kirkpatrick, a resident of Lindsay for over 50 years passed away on November 5, 2009 at the age of 81. Howard was born in Pasadena, California to A.F. and Maurine Kirkpatrick in 1927. He developed an early passion for horse racing while working in and around Santa Anita Racetrack. Howard’s passion for the ponies persisted throughout his life, even though his early dream to be a jockey was interrupted by a late growth spurt to a height of 6 foot 3 inches.

During his childhood, Howard’s family owned citrus property in the Lindsay area, which provided an introduction to farming. After graduation from high school in Monrovia, California, Howard spent about a year in the Navy before the end of World War II. He then attended UC Davis and graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry. After marrying Joan Rhodes in 1951, Howard and Joan lived for short periods in Hollister and Clovis before returning to Lindsay where they farmed until Howard’s recent death. They also cultivated a family, with son Donald born in 1954 and daughter Janet in 1956.

Throughout his life Howard demonstrated a sincere enthusiasm for, and keen interest in, whatever he was doing, from raising his family, to growing his crops or following the horses. Although allergic to bee stings, Howard helped Donald with a bee hive for a 4H project, and helped Janet develop an interest in drawing through his pencil sketches of horses. Howard had an uncanny ability for mental computations, and was able to calculate everything from crop nutrient applications to betting odds with minimal effort, or pen and paper for that matter.
Howard successfully farmed many crops, from tomatoes in the early days to citrus and olives more recently. Both Howard and Joan worked tirelessly to grow, pick and pack mandarin oranges decades before the “Cutie”, and Howard was appropriately proud of his ability to grow “big fruit” of whatever type to maximize farming revenue. Howard was particularly adept at balancing variable olive crops and managed farming operations for the specialty Graber Olive Company for more than 30 years. This intensive operation focused on large fruit size and quality, with the olives only picked “tree ripe.” Howard was one of the most knowledgeable and proficient olive growers in the Central Valley.

Until very recently, Howard was blessed with very good health and had a very productive, enjoyable life. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm and passion, and the never ending support he provided to family and friends.
Howard was preceded in death by his sister Frances Durfey of Fresno and is survived by his beloved wife Joan, brother John of Exeter, son Donald of Santa Monica, daughter Janet Diamond of Bakersfield, and four grandchildren. Howard’s surviving family is eternally grateful and privileged for the times they had with him.
A private remembrance service is pending.

Donations may be made in Howard’s name to the American Cancer Society.