Jeffrey Lion

1957 - 2022

Jeffrey Lion
August 25, 1957 - August 13, 2022
Fresno, California - Jeffrey Alfred Lion peacefully passed away on August 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Jeff was born in Tacoma, WA on August 25, 1957 to Pearl and Alfred Lion Jr. Following Alfred's completion of military service, they moved back to Fresno and added two more sons to their family, Danny and Bruce. Jeff grew up in Fresno attending local schools, Lain Elementary, Kings Canyon Middle School, and Roosevelt High School where he graduated early. Through out his youth he enjoyed spending summers with neighborhood friends, attending Calvin Crest Summer Camp and visiting the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Jeff loved life and enjoyed keeping himself busy.
Upon graduating Roosevelt High School, Jeff began taking steps toward becoming one of the leaders in the agricultural industry. Today, the Lion family has been in the raisin packing business since 1903. Little did anyone know, that with Jeff's foresight and ambition, the company would thrive under his guidance, working alongside his father and two brothers. Jeff was confident yet humble. His innovative mind and sharp intellect allowed him to truly prosper in life.
Jeff created an indelible legacy in the raisin industry as a pioneer of the dried-on-the-vine (DOV) overhead trellis system. He revolutionized the harvesting of grapes and grew what was a small farming operation into one of the largest. He was integral to the success of Lion Farms, which is now the largest independent raisin grower and established Lion Raisins as the largest family owned and operated raisin processor. Together, working as a team, Jeff, Danny and Bruce changed the raisin industry in a monumental way and strengthened their family's legacy.
In 1989, Jeff married Ingrid Sislian and later welcomed their first daughter Gabriella Christine, followed by Joshua Jeffrey and Demitria Marie. Although Jeff and Ingrid's marriage didn't last forever, they always remained a close family unit. He deeply and wholeheartedly loved his children. Some of their most cherished memories with Jeff were made during their annual trip to Hawaii. Jeff made what he wanted of life, always with a smile on his face and an interesting point of view to share. With a wealth of knowledge and such a dynamic personality, he was able to meaningfully connect with people from all walks of life. Love was something Jeff gave without reservation. He was the fun dad and the cool uncle who had all the toys. He was definitely not all work; Jeff loved to play.
Jeff is survived by his children, Gabriella and her husband Chris Darakjian, Joshua, Demitria and their mother Ingrid, his brother Danny and his wife Jacqueline, brother Bruce and his wife Robin, as well as his father Alfred Lion Jr., numerous nieces and nephews and his extended family the Sislians. Jeff is preceded in death by his mother Pearl Lion.
A funeral service honoring Jeff will take place on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 4pm at First Armenian Presbyterian. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The Paros Foundation, First Armenian Presbyterian Church, or The Lion Fund (#1077) at the University of Minnesota Foundation.