The Colorado native graduated from Colorado State University in 1953, with a degree in agronomy, then served in the U.S. Army until 1955.
In 1956, Sailsbery joined UC Cooperative Extension as a farm advisor for Glenn County. He took a break to earn a master's degree from UC Davis in 1963.
Outstanding both as a field consultant and researcher, Sailsbery made a number of breakthroughs in rice yield and production in the 1960s. He was also instrumental in advancing fertilizer practices for sugar beets, safflower, sorghum and other row crops in the 1970s and 80s.
After 36 years of serving with UC Cooperative Extension in Glenn County, he retired in 1992.
“More important than Bob's research successes was his ability to get out in the field with the farmers of northern California and offer practical, wise consultation to increase their success,” reads Sailsbery's obituary.
Sailsbery is survived by his wife of 63 years, Laura, sister Phyllis (Wayne) Gueswell of Albuquerque, NM, brother Richard Sailsbery of Fort Morgan, CO, sons Stephen (Nancy) Sailsbery of Willows and Timothy (Tracy) Sailsbery of Orland, grandchildren Jud Sailsbery, Tessa Sailsbery and Charisse Stava, and great-grandchild Matthew Buren.
In lieu of flowers, the Sailsbery family requests that memorial contributions be made in his honor to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries or Salvation Army, c/o Newton Bracewell, 680 Camellia Way, Chico, CA 95926.