Fred Salyer, a man who touched so many lives throughout the San Joaquin Valley and beyond, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at the age of 92.
A farming icon, businessman, friend and father, Fred had a profound impact on all who knew him. His legacy will continue with those who came to know him as the consummate gentleman, mentor to so many in the agricultural industry and remembered as the man who loved to fly airplanes.
Fred was born to Clarence and Cordie Salyer in 1923. At age 14, he flew his first airplane and later served as a flight instructor in the Army Air Corps during World War II, teaching young cadets air acrobatics. Following the war, Fred returned to Corcoran where he spent the remainder of his life farming. In business with his brother, Everett, Fred oversaw the Salyer Land Company as it grew to over 80,000 acres under cultivation. Fred was a hands-on farmer who rarely sat behind a desk, always preferring to have a personal connection with his employees and neighbors. Fred later expanded his farming interests to Monterey County in the produce industry, along with John Deere dealerships in Idaho. Fred continued to fly airplanes throughout his entire life, having logged over 24,000 hours in the air as a private pilot. Always humble, always gracious, Fred was a man of his generation whose handshake meant his word. He was a man of integrity and a man of tremendous knowledge and wisdom. To know him was to respect him. He will not be forgotten.
Fred married his late wife of 52 years, Marian, in 1946. It was in Corcoran where they made their home and raised their three children. Fred is survived by his children: Chris Salyer, Linda Lee and Scott Salyer; his grandchildren: John Lee, Patrick Van Wyk, Traci Van Wyk, Noelle Van Wyk, Stefanie Gallegy, and Caroline Salyer; six great grandchildren; and his sister, Virginia Nichols.
The Salyer family wishes to extend their most sincere thanks to Dr. Clyde Ball for his support, his advice, and most importantly, his friendship.
Graveside services were held at the Corcoran Cemetery Aug. 17 at 11 a.m.
Any donations may be sent to donor’s favorite charity.
