Mark Takano: “It is with great sadness that I observe the passing of Justice John Gabbert, who died Monday at the age of 104. A…”

“It is with great sadness that I observe the passing of Justice John Gabbert, who died Monday at the age of 104. A long-time Riverside resident, Justice Gabbert was a dedicated public servant, a key founder of UC Riverside, and a prominent leader in Riverside's expansion from a citrus-growing town into an urban center. Justice Gabbert was 3 years old when his family moved to Riverside in 1912. After graduating from Poly High School, he stayed in the community to attend Riverside City College, where his interest in law was sparked by the infamous ``Chicken Coop Murders.'' In 1934, Gabbert received his law degree from UC Berkeley and returned to Riverside to serve as a county deputy district attorney. Subsequently, he worked in private practice as part of what is known as Best, Best and Krieger. He also served as a member of the local school board. But John Gabbert is mostly known as a fine jurist. In 1949, he was appointed to be a superior court judge; and, finally, in 1970 he was appointed to be an associate justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Throughout his life, John Gabbert touched the lives of so many people. He will be greatly missed. ____________________”