Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Sabovich , Dan February 17, 2005
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K T bluewolf@onemain.com March 2, 2005, 9:24 pm

The Tehachapi News 
Dan Sabovich 
June 26, 1925 – Feb. 17, 2005

Dan Sabovich passed away on Feb. 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. Dan’s 
most treasured possession was the friendship of others.

Dan was born in Reedley on June 26, 1925 to Zorka and John Sabovich. Dan, as a 
member of the dwindling “greatest generation,” served in combat in World War 
II on the Philippine island of Luzon as a squad leader of Filipino guerrillas. 
He was awarded numerous citations, including the Purple Heart.

After the war, Dan returned to Bakersfield and joined with his parents and 
brothers in farming. 

Dan’s 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 Air Force Base test pilots at a static 
display at Meadows Field, Dan began a lifelong association with the Society of 
Experimental Test Pilots. 

Dan’s 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 airport’s future, but that is history. What followed was 32 years of 
dedication and love for the airport which was his life’s 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; and grandchildren, Dacy Gaston and Drew Gaston. He was preceded 
in death by two children, Mark and Danny. 

Services were held on Feb. 22 at Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel in Bakersfield.


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to the deceased.

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