John Gabbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John G. Gabbert
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| Born | June 20, 1909 Oxnard, California, US
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| Died | December 9, 2013 (aged 104) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeals |
| Known for | Advocacy to found University of California, Riverside |
John Gordon Gabbert (born June 20, 1909 – died December 9, 2013) was an American judge. He served for many years in California's court system. He was also well-known for helping to create the University of California, Riverside.
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Life and Work of John Gabbert
Early Life in California
John Gordon Gabbert was born in Oxnard, California on June 20, 1909. When he was three years old, his family moved to Riverside, California. His father bought a newspaper called the Riverside Enterprise. John often helped out in his father's print shop. This early experience taught him about hard work.
John's Education Journey
Gabbert went to public schools in Riverside. He graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1927. He then attended Riverside Junior College, where he was the student body president. In 1931, he earned a degree from Occidental College.
He studied law at Duke University School of Law and later at Boalt School of Law. He finished his law degree in 1934. While at Riverside Junior College, he met Rupert Costo. Rupert was a Native American activist. They became lifelong friends and worked together to bring a University of California campus to Riverside.
During World War II, John Gabbert joined the United States Army. In 1944, he served in the Criminal Investigation Division. He worked in places like New Guinea and the Philippines.
A Career in Law
After finishing law school, Gabbert became a lawyer in California in 1934. He also became a lawyer in the Philippines in 1945. From 1935 to 1938, he worked as a Deputy District Attorney for Riverside County. This meant he helped the county's main lawyer.
He then joined a private law firm called Best & Best. The firm became Best, Best & Gabbert in 1938. He practiced law there for several years. From 1941 to 1943, he also served as a City Court Judge for Riverside County.
In 1949, Governor Earl Warren appointed him as a judge. He became a Superior Court judge for Riverside County. He held this important position for over 20 years, until 1970. In May 1970, Governor Ronald Reagan appointed him to an even higher court. He became a justice in the California Appellate Court. He served there until he retired in 1974.
Community Involvement
John Gabbert was very active in his community. He was a school board member for the Riverside Unified School District. He also led several groups, including the Riverside County Bar Association. He was also president of the Lions Club.
He was a member of many other civic and charity groups. He believed in giving back to his community.
Helping Start a University
One of John Gabbert's biggest achievements was helping to establish the University of California, Riverside. As president of the Citizens University Committee, he worked with Rupert Costo. They and other community leaders pushed for a new University of California campus. Their hard work paid off, and the campus was built in Riverside.
Family Life
John Gabbert married Katherine Jeanette Fuller on June 11, 1938. They had three children together:
- Sarah Gabbert (born 1940)
- Katherine Gabbert (born 1942)
- Scott Gabbert (born 1946)
Political Views
John Gabbert was a member of the Republican political party.
