John Pilkington
March 26, 1945-March 4, 2017
Portola Valley, California

John (Jack) Leslie Pilkington, 71, a 30-year resident of Portola Valley, passed March 4, 2017.

He was born March 26, 1945, in San Francisco, California, to Leslie Pilkington and Edith Marie (Leonard) Pilkington, and grew up on the family ranch in La Honda.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Jelich of Portola Valley, California; his sister Susan (Pilkington) Ewy of Sparks, Nevada; his son William J. Pilkington, daughter in law Brook Pilkington, grandchildren Savannah and Wesley of Santa Cruz; his daughter, Robin-Aimee Bente; son-in-law Mike Bente of Priest River Idaho; granddaughter Tiffany Ribron; great-grandchildren Elijah and Kayden of Oahu Hawaii; his son, Frank W. Clark and daughter-in-law Martha Clark of Redwood City,; his goddaughters, Carrie Webb and Rachel Elkins; additional family, Ann Greig, and many cousins and friends.

After graduating from Pescadero High School in 1963, Jack spent some time at the College of San Mateo. He then enlisted in the United States Marines (23d Marines HQ/23 - San Bruno, California) in 1964 and served until 1970.

Jack worked for the Woodside Fire Protection District for 21 years, participating in the Fireman Olympics and serving the community and surrounding areas of Woodside. He retired in 1987.

He was an avid horseman and motocross rider, enjoying Indian Dunes, Baylands, and Virginia City. In his spare time he enjoyed his orchards, the tractors, playing poker with his buddies, traveling the states with Joyce and Jake, spending time in Maui with Joyce and always helping his family and friends.

Tags: veteran, public service