Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Valpredo, John January 12 2005 ********************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/obits/obitsca/obitsca.htm ********************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com January 15, 2005, 2:47 pm The Bakersfield Californian John Valpredo December 1,1908 - January 12,2005 Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 18 at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Chapel for John Valpredo who died January 12, 2005 at his home in Mettler. John was born to Alphonso and Natalia Valpredo in Glendale, California after they immigrated to California from Asti, Italy with their daughter Mary. A second child, Chester, was born two years after John. Alphonso was a renowned winemaker in Burbank, CA and worked for the Star Winery. Eventually the family branched out into farming in San Fernando Valley. From Chatsworth to Newhall and eventually under Johns direction settiling in the Mettler area. He purchased land there in 1944 with his family, and after finding water began his farm in 1945. His leadership brought many other Italian friends from San Fernando Valley into that farming area. John and his wife Phyllis were always social leaders in their community, as their home was always a warm and festive place, as was their back yard for the usual Sunday Bocce game. Under Johns leadership the local farmers formed Ridge Ginning Co. in 1954, and for the next 41 years he served as its president. One year later the gin, which was the last cotton gin on the east side of U.S. 99, closed. John was also very proud to have been a founding director of the Arvin Edison Water Storage District, a position he held for 33 years until his retirement. In 1952 he and his wife Phyllis started their Bakersfield horse operation. Thoroughbred horses were always his true passion and love. He had his first winner at Santa Anita in December of 1942. Together they produced many winners including Hempen, Cat Call, Mia Amore, and others. Later he developed probably his favorite Dimaggio, who as a sire produced Fifty six in a row Prince Spellbound, Purdue King, C Sam Maggio, and many other notable California Champions. Later with his son Don, they were successful with importing Argentinean stars such as Star Ball and Lucy Manet. His legacy in California Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding for 65 years had earned him many rewards and honors. He was preceded by his wife Phyllis in 1970, his brother Chester and sister Mary and in 2000 by his daughter Carolyn. His survived by his son, Donald and daughter, Natalie of Bakersfield, a son, Jon of Napa Valley, and a daughter, Toni of Walla Walla, WA, along with 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to a charity of your choice. DOUGHTY-CALHOUN-OMEARA FUNERAL DIRECTORS Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/gob4713valpredo.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/ File size: 3.2 Kb