Gilbert R. Teixeira, 73, of Gil-Tex Holsteins in Turlock, Calif., died on May 23, 2025 with his family by his side. He was a successful and enthusiastic breeder of Registered Holsteins for his entire life, developing his 1400-cow Gil-Tex herd from a single purchase as an eight year old boy.
He bred or developed over 200 Excellent cows including seven at 95 and 96 points. He had six Grand Champions at the California Holstein State Show, second most of any exhibitor. He judged Holstein shows throughout the United States at the local, state, and national levels, as well as internationally in Canada, Brazil, and Portugal. He was widely recognized as one of the best at reading pedigrees at purebred sales across California and served as a mentor not only to his own children but also to countless 4-H and FFA students.
In 1977, Gilbert won the A.J. Quist Young Breeder Award, one of the youngest individuals ever to receive it. In 1998 he won the coveted Al Hay Award, and in 2005 the California Holstein Senior Breeder Award. . In 2014 he received the highest recognition given to a dairy cattle showman when he was recognized as the 73rd winner of the Arthur B. Klussendorf Award at the World Dairy Expo.
For over 40 years he was a member and leader in local, state and national Holstein Associations.
He and his wife Linda were married in 1980 and honeymooned at World Dairy Expo, the first of many such trips here as an exhibitor, sale consignor and dairy enthusiast. He leaves his wife and their children, son Robert and his wife Kate, who continue the dairy, and daughter Lindsey Nunes and her husband Tom. Also surviving are a brother and five grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Hillview Funeral Chapel, Newman, located at 1258 R Street in Newman, on Monday, June 9th from 4-6 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock, located at 1301 Cooper Avenue, Turlock. Interment to follow at Turlock Memorial Park. Donations are invited to California Holstein Association in his name at P.O. Box 507, Keyes, California 95328.
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