Minard B. Kilbury's Obituary
KILBURY, Minard B. December 7, 1923 – January 13, 2019 Minard Barth “Mike” Kilbury, 95, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, January 13, 2019. Born in Sedalia, Missouri on December 7, 1923, he was raised in Newton, Iowa and moved during high school to Santa Monica, California. After graduating from Venice High School, Los Angeles, Mike enlisted in the Air Force. He was a crew chief for his Bomber Group stationed in Bari, Italy where, due to his mechanical insight, diligent study of the manuals and thoroughness, he gained a reputation as an exceptional crew chief. After his military service he attended the University of Southern California, graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and nearly completing a master’s degree as well. At USC he met his first wife, Helen, whom he married in 1949. They had two daughters (in 1953 and 1955) whom they raised in Palos Verdes Estates. Mike and Helen divorced in 1973. Mike was the president of Kilbury Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Lawndale, California. The company manufactured industrial heaters – primarily used in greenhouses. The heaters were invented and patented by Mike’s father. He later met the love of his life, Thelma, and they married in 1979 after a short courtship. They lived in California (Torrance and Coulterville) and Utah (Saint George). In 1994 Mike and Thelma moved to the Masonic Home in Union City. They were the youngest residents at the time and they thoroughly enjoyed living in the beautiful facilities with verdant grounds, gardens, wildlife (including turkeys and deer) and sheep grazing on the green hillside. They made many close friends. Mike volunteered in the sign-making shop. He also made little telephone booklets that he kept updated to pass out to the other residents. In 1998 Mike and Thelma collaborated on the design of a quilt to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Masonic Home. Thelma and other residents made the quilt and it is currently framed and prominently displayed in a common area. Mike joked that he was retired until he came to live at the Masonic Home. Mike loved music. He was a fine guitar player and he sang classic folk songs like Red River Valley and The Streets of Laredo. Sadly, Thelma passed away in 2005. Mike continued to live in the independent living part of the Masonic Home. His last years were spent at the Lorber skilled nursing facility also a part of the Masonic Home. He continued to participate in exercise classes every morning as well as various activities (such as bingo and attending music events). Mike and his family are extremely grateful for the wonderful and loving care he received at Lorber. He was known for his warm and cheerful smile that brought joy to those who knew him. He had an uncomplaining and appreciative nature. Mike will be deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to know him. He is survived by his daughters – Adrienne Hirsch (Gary) and Barbara Tull; grandchildren – Alex and Jeremy Hirsch and Robert Tull; and sister – Glendoris Sargent. A memorial celebrating Mike’s life will be held Sunday, March 3rd at 2:00 pm at Siminoff Chapel, Masonic Home, 34400 Mission Blvd., Union City, CA. All are welcome.
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