Gilbert Robert Teixeira, 73, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, with his family by his side.
Gilbert was born on June 3, 1951, in Tracy, California to George and Rose Teixeira. By 1953, they moved to Newman, California where he resided for the years to come. Gilbert’s love for the Holstein cow began at a very young age working alongside his mother and father on the family farm. At the age of 8, the family dairy was sold. Without a farm to house his animals, he would milk and feed for neighbors in exchange for housing his growing herd. He was very active in 4-H and FFA showing at many local and county fairs with his registered animals. He was also a member of the Orestimba Football Team throughout his school days, graduating from Orestimba High in 1969.
His herd grew and Gil-Tex Holsteins was established. He went into partnership for 5 years, which then dissolved in 1977 when Gilbert moved to Modesto to start his own dairy. It was shortly after at the Merced County Fair where Gilbert met his future wife, Linda Giannone of Los Banos. The two got married on September 27, 1980, and were soon off on their honeymoon to Madison, Wisconsin for the World Dairy Expo. This was Gil’s first trip and certainly not his last, attending the World Dairy Expo for 40+ years.
In May 1981, Gil and Linda moved to Turlock, where the real roots of Gil-Tex Holsteins were planted and still remain. In September 1983, they welcomed their first child, Robert, with their daughter Lindsey born in April 1985.
Gil’s journey with the black and white cow was a successful one with outstanding accomplishments inside and outside of the show ring. His career took a huge leap on December 1, 1984, when he purchased Queen N-Rosa-Line G-V Tidy. She was by far the single most influential cow that has ever called Gil-Tex Holsteins home, eventually scoring EX-96 and being named All-American 5-Year-Old in 1985. Gilbert dedicated his time and knowledge to the registered associations on local and state levels for 40+ years with the Stanislaus and Merced County Holstein Clubs, as well as the California Holstein Association, holding officer positions, including President for multiple years.
Driven by hard work and a passion for the Holstein cow, Gilbert built a herd of 1,400 Holsteins from the single calf purchased as a 9-year-old boy. Throughout the years he has bred or developed over 200 excellent scored cows, seven EX-95 or EX-96 cows (one of the most west of the Mississippi), and had 6 Grand Champions at the California State Holstein Show, which is the second most of all time. With the success in the show ring and being an excellent cow man, Gilbert had the opportunity to judge Holstein shows throughout the United States at the local, state, and national levels, as well as international in Canada, Brazil, and Portugal. He was widely recognized as one of the best at reading cow pedigrees at purebred sales across California and served as a mentor not only to his own children but also to countless 4-H and FFA students.
In 1977, Gilbert won the A.J. Quist Young Breeder Award, one of the youngest individuals ever to receive it. In 1998 he won the coveted Al Hay Award, and in 2005 the California Holstein Senior Breeder Award. In 2014 he joined the most exclusive club in American Dairy, receiving the highest recognition given to a dairy cattle showman in the United States, and was recognized as the 73rd winner of the Arthur B. Klussendorf award at the World Dairy Expo.
Gilbert was an example that with determination, hard work, and passion you can achieve greatness. He was a true legend in the dairy industry, leaving lasting impacts on so many, and built long lasting cherished friendships along the way. But the biggest legacy he leaves behind is the one he built with his family. Gilbert and Linda created a life of a true family owned and operated dairy. Up until the last days, you could find the whole family working alongside Gil at Gil-Tex Holsteins. Gilbert Teixeira, a name forever engraved on some of the most prestigious awards but etched on the hearts of all who knew him.
Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose Teixeira and brother, Norman Teixeira. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Linda; his brother Don (Brenda) Teixeira; son, Robert (Kate) Teixeira; daughter, Lindsey (Tom) Nunes; and 5 grandchildren, his pride and joy, Jon and Chloe Chapman, Alexis and Nichole Teixeira, and Manuel Nunes.
A visitation will be held at Hillview Funeral Chapel, Newman, located at 1258 R Street in Newman, on Monday, June 9th from 4-6 pm.
A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock, located at 1301 Cooper Avenue, Turlock. Interment to follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to California Holstein Association in Memory of Gilbert Teixeira, P.O. Box 507, Keyes, California 95328.
