John Gottlund, farmer and philanthropist was born in the Province of Ufa, Empire of Russia in 1915 (Republic of Bashkortostan). When antigovernment forces over ran his parent's farm, the family escaped through the Ural Mountains. Nearly starving, they reached Finland after one year and immigrated to the United States, settling in Pacific Grove, California.

John graduated from Pacific Grove High School and then attended and graduated from Modesto Junior College and William and Mary University in Virginia.  Excelling in football, he was drafted by the Washington Redskins, however, his patriotic spirit arose and passing up his dream to play in the NFL, he joined the United States Army. He was involved in many engagements throughout France, eventually attaining the rank of Major. 

He received a Bronze Star and after the war returned to California and attended U.C. Davis to coach football and obtain an Ag teaching credential.  For two years he taught Ag and coached football at Orland High School. He was then recalled to duty in the Korean War for another two years, and received another Bronze Star for heroism. He returned home to manage the Lamb Ranch in Meridian for 10 years and the moved to Durham to manage the Adams Ranch for the Newhall Land and Farming Company for 2o years.

John was married to Margaret "Peggy" Durling in 1948. They were the parents of one son, Stephen, who graduated from Durham High School in 1968. Stephen entered the Navy, serving in the South Pacific during the Vietnam conflict. Peggy predeceased John in 1981, as did Steve in 2001. Numerous nieces and nephews in California, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Kansas survive him.

John was an ardent supporter of agricultural education, collegiate athletics, and wildlife conservation.

By Rian Farley