Tilden was born in Cayucos, Calif. to Flora and Constant Brughelli on June 10, 1913. The family moved to Jalama Valley in 1917. Tilden was a farmer until he sold his ranch in 1966 and moved down to Lompoc. His joy was his Model T Ford that he raced on Seventh Street back in the 1940's. He won many trophies and loved to ride it in the Lompoc Flower Festival Parade along side of his friend Joe Avila. Tilden was a caring and loving man. He enjoyed going down to the Historical Society on Thursdays and visit with friends and reminisce about old times. Tilden belonged to the Historical Society, Los Alamos Men's Club, Model T Club, and the Swiss Club.

He died Monday, July 20, 2009 at Lompoc Skilled & Rehab Center.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arnold and sister Daisy. His adopted son's Ed Larsen of Lompoc and Ken Larsen of Oregon survive him.