June 16, 1952 – Nov. 11, 2021
Malcolm Kibbe was born on June 16, 1952 to parents Irvin Kibbe and Beatrice Williams Kibbe in Delano
and passed away on Nov. 11 2021 in Bakersfield.
Malcolm graduated from Delano High School in 1970 and attended Bakersfield College. In 1975 Mal
married Cathy O'Brien and they made their home in Bakersfield where he was employed In Agricultural
Sales. In 1985 Mal and Cathy welcomed a son Jarod into their family.
Mal was a reserve officer for both the Bakersfield Police Department and the Kern County Sheriff's Dept.
During his volunteer years he was on the fundraising committee for the Police Officers Memorial and on
the committee for the annual Sheriff's rodeo. While he volunteered his time in law enforcement, he
made many friends. He continued to keep in touch with many of them and valued their friendships. Mal
recently spent some time with his old friend, retired Sheriff Carl Sparks.
Mal worked in Agricultural Irrigation for most of his adult life. In 2012 he established his own agricultural irrigation company in Shafter. Soon after opening Quest Irrigation, he was joined by his son Jarod Kibbe. Together they grew the business and made many friends in the agricultural community. Mal was very proud of what he and Jarod had established and together they worked together to make the company a success.
Mal was a kind gentle man who left his mark on all he came in contact with. After establishing his
business in Shafter, he joined the Kiwanis Club and participated in many of their fundraising projects.
Mal was an avid Dodger fan and spent many Sundays with his Sister Lynda and Brother- in -Law John,
rooting for the Dodgers and enjoying a Sunday dinner.
Mal was preceded in death by, his parents, Irvin and Bea Kibbe, and his brother-in-law, William L
Kissack.
He is survived by his son, Jarod Kibbe, daughter-in-law, Ali Kibbe, Sister, Lynda Kissack-Watkins and
Brother-in-Law John Watkins. former wife and dear friend, Cathy Reese, Nephew Scott Kissack and wife
Cari, Niece Kristy Shanley and husband Mike Shanley and Niece Kimberly Kissack and many grand
nephews, grand nieces and many Cousins. Mal is also survived by his chocolate Lab Lucy who will make
his home with Jarod and Ali.
Services for Mal will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton
Catholic Church on Reina Road in Bakersfield. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery
Ave., Suite 1100N, Bethesda, MD 20814.
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