Pioneer San Joaquin Valley farmer and agricultural leader, John Bradford Britton, 77, died in late February in Fresno, Calif.

A native of Porterville, Calif., Britton grew up on the West Side of the San Joaquin Valley where he farmed for more than 60 years, first with his father, then an uncle after his father died, and later with his sons.

He farmed with his uncle as the V.C. Britton Co., and later continued farming with his wife and sons in various ventures, including Del Rey Farms and J&M Britton.

He was a leader in SJV ag, often working with water issues serving as president of the Firebaugh Canal Water District board from 1966-2003; director of the Columbia Canal Co.; chairman of the Silver Creek Drainage District; board member of the Firebaugh Resource Conservation District; and vice chairman and board of directors of the Exchange Contractors. He also served as president of the American Dehydrators Association and president of the Farmers Firebaugh Ginning Co.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marlene, sons, James and Douglas Britton, both of Firebaugh; daughter Susan Britton Whitcomb of Fresno, and sister, Ruth Lynne Burns of Newark, Calif.