Alan Chester Spofford

Alan Chester Spofford passed away on May 22, 2025 in Gilroy, California, age 75.   He was the only son of Chester Delbert Spofford (1915–2001) and Alice Catherine Totty (1922–1987) born on July 25,1949 in San Jose, California.

Alan spent his youth in Salinas attending El Gabilan Elementary School, El Sausal Jr. High and North Salinas High School. He was active in school reunions and kept in touch with a number of school friends throughout his life. After graduation in June 1967, his first job was at Harold's Union 76 as a Station Attendant while he attended Hartnell College. Next, he drove a School Bus for Salinas Union High School District for a year.

Alan enlisted in the Air Force and on 6 March 1969 arrived at Lackland AFB, Bexar, Texas to complete Basic Training. At Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi he completed Air Force Technical School Basic Electronics and Inertial Navigation Systems. His first duty was in February 1970 at McConnell AFB, Sedgwick, Kansas. Next, he went in 1971 to Misawa AFB, Japan. The Air Force was closing this base, so he was then transferred to Kunsan AFB Korea in February 1971 working as an electronics Technician. A year later he served his final duty at Charleston AFB, Charleston, South Carolina. In 1973 he returned to Salinas and received an Honorable Discharge on 5 March 1975.

He completed his AA Degree in Drafting Technology at Hartnell College, Salinas, Monterey in 1973-1975 and worked as a school bus driver for the Salinas School District.  

His first professional employment was in June 1975 at Cochran Western Corp, Salinas, CA -Company designed and built cargo loaders for airline companies. Next, he was hired by United Technologies Chemical Systems Division, Coyote in 1976.

In August 1979 he purchased his home in Gilroy where he lived until his death.

In 1981 he worked for Veeco Macronetics and Westinghouse Electric until March 1982 when he joined Lockheed Missiles and Space Company.  He retired from Lockheed Martin in November 2007.

Alan was a lifelong conservative and considered himself a proud patriot. He also enjoyed discovering information about his ancestors, and was delighted to confirm his mother’s stories that he was a descendant of the first child born on the Mayflower and had ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary War.  He was an active member of the Salinas Elks Lodge #614, American Legion Post 31, Asiya Shriners and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He also enjoyed the lifelong companionship of his many cherished dogs. 

Alan maintained many close friendships too numerous to mention over his lifetime with a wide range of people different backgrounds from school, work, and professional associations.  He was lovingly included by his neighbors in holidays and special events. He cherished all his friends, relatives and professional partnerships. A very special thanks to each friend, neighbor, physician, and caregiver who have reached out and helped him in the past two years. 

A memorial will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th Street, Gilroy, Ca. We would appreciate if you would please share your photos and memories on his tribute page.