HERITAGE: Former Justice John G. Gabbert passed away, but his contributions to the growth of Riverside will not be forgotten.
By Matt Kaye, Staff Writer
Born and raised in California, Gabbert spent the vast majority of his life in Riverside. He settled in Riverside at the age of three and called it home ever afterwards. Throughout his life, he spent his time finding new opportunities to increase the city’s potential. He ended up as one of the most important figures in creating today’s prosperous and expanding city of Riverside.
Gabbert’s list of achievements began in the 1940s when he joined the Riverside Unified School District’s school board. He was later named the board’s president. A major influence in education, Gabbert also helped lead the Citizens University Committee to organize another University of California location, which became Riverside’s most prominent university, UCR. His leadership roles did not stop there, however. Gabbert held presidential positions at the Riverside County Bar Association, YMCA, and Riverside Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Gabbert’s main line of work was in law. Gabbert began as a deputy district attorney for Riverside County. He eventually took two separate positions, one as a police judge and another, after service in the army, as the presiding judge for the county. His many accomplishments in law earned him a nomination from former governor Ronald Reagan to join the Fourth District Court of Appeal. With overwhelming support, he rose to the position of associate judge for the court.
His death at the impressive age of 104 has left many to remember his lasting impact. “I think he was such a pillar of wisdom,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said. “He remained an inspirational figure to our attorneys long after he left,” a statement from Gabbert’s former law firm, Best Best & Krieger read. To past and present citizens, Gabbert’s work shows how diligence can bring much prosperity. Through a powerful will and strong effort, a person can bring about change for the better. Gabbert was integral in forming Riverside into a city that serves the greater needs of its people. This accomplishment not only elicits gratitude and admiration, but also inspires motivation.