The owner of beloved bakery Davis Bread & Desserts passed away in early January
By OLIVIA HOKR — city@theaggie.org
On Jan. 3, Tom Kilbourn, known throughout the city for his delicious pastries and pies, passed away. As the owner of Davis Bread & Desserts, Kilbourn spent 40 years selling his baked goods at the Davis Farmers Market and built a community of loyal customers.
Davis Bread & Desserts was one of the first bakeries at the Davis Farmers Market. Randii MacNear, the executive director of the Davis Farmers Market, considered his bakery an anchor in the market.
“We’re all struggling,” MacNear said. “I’m not family, but in some ways, I feel like there was a market family that he was a part of, and a lot of people felt that way about him.”
MacNear said the holiday season didn’t feel complete without having one of his pies, specifically the triple berry or the chocolate pecan pie.
After announcing the news on the Davis Farmers Market Facebook page, community members came together to share condolences and stories about their interactions with Kilbourn.
An anonymous market-goer expressed appreciation for Kilbourn’s work and the difference he made in the lives of Davis locals.
“I enjoyed seeing him working with staff and customers,” the anonymous individual said in a Facebook comment. “His baked goods were a great contribution to the Davis Farmers Market. I appreciated the vegan turnover selection and the pecan rolls are my husband’s favorite way to start a Saturday. We are thankful for Tom’s contributions to our life and making Davis, Davis.”
Another community member expressed similar sentiments about Kilbourn’s character.
“I grew up at the market eating Tom’s sweets every week,” the anonymous individual said in a Facebook comment. “We made big Sunday morning breakfasts and his goods were the cornerstone. I am so sad to hear of his passing, the market will not be the same without him jogging about.”
Kilbourn will be missed dearly by the Davis community and the Davis Farmers Market customers. If you have yet to try the delightful variety of goods offered by Davis Bread & Desserts, they could use the support now more than ever in continuing Kilbourn’s legacy.
“He had a family at the market,” MacNear said. “We’re going to miss him terribly. His customers are still coming even though he hasn’t been there personally for the last few weeks. […] Customers are honoring him and continuing to buy from him so we’re really happy about that.”
Written by: Olivia Hokr — city@theaggie.org
