George Fontes, a beloved member of the Salinas Valley community, passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2023.

George was 68 and a lifelong resident of Salinas. Ordinary is not the first adjective that comes to mind in describing someone whose life included part cowboy, farmer, banker, off-road cycling enthusiast, community water activist, son, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather.

As varied as any of those roles were for George, they were all united by a common thread of pride for his community, integrity to do the hard thing and a love for family and friends through action. George’s first love as a cattle rancher before he could even have a driver’s license led to some cowboy years and eventually as a Director for the California Rodeo. As owner of Fontes Farms and former President and Co-Owner (with John “Butch” Massa) of Comgro Inc., farming 1,800 acres of lettuce, broccoli, mix lettuce, and spinach George’s passion for pushing the envelope to innovate meant being one of the first growers in the valley to use laser-guided land leveling to prep fields for planting. As a Director on the Board of American AgCredit, George was able to be an advocate and strong voice for small farmers and ranchers throughout the country. As a member of the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association, George loved leading rides, participating in trail work, helping with its annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking event, contributing his time, and sharing his personal resources to make MORCA’s contributions to the community more successful. As President of the Salinas Basin Water Alliance, George was able to build consensus among a fractured assortment of landowners, growers, and businesses to transform the way water is talked about and the way water policies are made in the Valley. Beyond the ag community, George’s efforts in the water arena are helping the community he leaves behind to benefit from the maintaining water supply and better water resource projects.

George is survived by his daughter Anne Fontes (Logan Pine), son George Fontes (Shanin Fontes); his grandchildren, Jaxson Pine, Olivia Fontes, Amelia Fontes, Eli Fontes, and Owen Fontes; his siblings Earl Fontes (Kathleen Fontes) and Jane MacGeorge; his niece Wendi Fontes and nephew J.J. MacGeorge; grandnieces Karmen and Amanda Silber; and longtime companion Barbara Wind. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elwood Fontes and Virginia Srsen.

A memorial service will be held on June 14th, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Struve and Laporte (41 W. San Luis St, Salinas, CA 93901). Burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery (8200 Damian Way, Prunedale, CA 93907).

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to the Salinas Basin Water Alliance for a scholarship fund in George’s name to help growers and leaders learn about water policy and groundwater sustainability.

We hope this fund will provide annual scholarships to continue George's legacy of protecting and promoting water rights and sustainability throughout the Salinas Valley. Checks should be made out to “Salinas Basin Water Alliance” and mailed to: Salinas Basin Water Alliance, P.O. Box 247, Salinas, CA 93902. Please include “George Fontes scholarship fund” in the memo/subject line of the donation.