Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Sabovich, Dan  February 17, 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 February 20, 2005, 11:49 am

The Bakersfield Californian 
Dan Sabovich
June 26, 1925 - February 17, 2005

Dan Sabovich passed away on February 17, surrounded by his family that loved 
him most dearly. With his passing, the communities of Mojave, Bakersfield, and 
Tehachapi have lost an outstanding citizen, leader, and businessman that 
devoted his energies to making life better for the people he served. Dans most 
treasured possession was the friendship of others. 

Dan was born in Reedley, California on June 26, 1925 to Zorka and John 
Sabovich. Dan, as a member of the dwindling greatest generation, served in 
combat in WWII on the Philippine Island of Luzon as a squad leader of Filipino 
guerrillas. He was awarded numerous citations to include the Purple Heart.

After the war Dan returned to Bakersfield and joined with his parents and 
brothers in farming. Dans love of aviation was always first in his heart and 
on his ranch he had a runway for his airplane which was a novelty in those 
days. By chance encounter in 1958 with some Edwards AFB test pilots at a 
static display at Meadows Field, Dan began a lifelong association with the 
Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Dans love of flying led him to the Mojave 
Airport where he had the idea of having a Civilian Flight Test Center. Many 
did not see the vision that Dan had for the airports future but that is 
history. What followed was 32 years of dedication and love for the airport 
which was his lifes work.

The honors and recognition he received for his efforts in this life were many, 
but the honor he most sought was the respect of his community and the 
friendship of his associates. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jerri; his daughter, Debbi Gaston; son-
in-law, Randy; grandchildren, Dacy Gaston and Drew Gaston. He was predeceased 
by two children, Mark and Danny who he has now rejoined.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22, at Hillcrest 
Memorial Park Chapel in Bakersfield. 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/gob5768sabovich.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/

File size: 2.7 Kb