Gerald James Bibler

Jerry was born July 2nd, 1933 in Fresno, California to William and Imelda Bibler. He was raised in Merced, California on a dairy farm, where he learned hard work and a great work ethic. He always thought education was extremely important, so after graduating high school in 1950, he went straight to Modesto Junior College, where he received his associate’s degree.

After graduating, due to the ongoing Korean War, Jerry voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army on April 17th, 1953. He served at Fort Richardson, Alaska, not too far from his brother Leonard in Anchorage. During his time in Alaska, Jerry spent many weekends going out to local hangouts with his brother trying to meet women.

After being honorably discharged from the Army on January 27th, 1956, Jerry attended San Jose State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in European History in 1959. He originally thought he wanted to be a high school teacher, but after just one semester of teaching, he realized that was not his calling and decided to pursue other interests. While at college, Jerry met and married Jacqueline Kearley (1958-1964). They had two amazing daughters, Monique Pamela and Denise Rashelle.

In the early 70s, Jerry chose to be his own boss, and he started a sprinkler business: Bibler Irrigation. He enjoyed early and continued success, expanding into resurfacing tennis courts. In the late 70s, he shifted his focus to take on larger asphalt projects. His company, Pacific Surfacing, LLC, paved and striped many Silicon Valley roads, parking lots, and an amusement park. He cultivated Pacific Surfacing, LLC into a very successful business that he operated for over 15 years, before deciding to sell the business and retire in 1989.

His love of business and personal enterprise showed up in his interest and support of other’s career adventures. He saw moments of business and career uncertainty as puzzles worth solving and enjoyed the challenge of taking them on.

After retirement, Jerry met and married Ruth Anne Brazill, with whom he spent time living between their homes and families in California and Texas. Even after their divorce, Jerry always spoke fondly of Ruth Anne and stayed in touch with her.

Throughout his retirement, Jerry stayed active with investing and various projects. He also created dream homes in Santa Cruz, CA and Ashland, OR, where he moved in order to be closer to his daughter Denise and grandchildren Michelle and Nicole, eventually moving to San Diego to enjoy warmer weather and live near his brother Jay, Jay’s children Steve, Gary, Sherri, and their families.

In San Diego, Jerry had a rich social life because his brother, Jay and Jay’s childrens’ families loved and included him in all family events and trips. Jerry was always up for an adventure with the family. They included three trips to Ireland, where he loved immersing himself in the culture, and interacting with family, all while celebrating his Irish roots. He also accompanied his brother and nephews on three tailor made Revolutionary and Civil War tours created by Steve to focus on history created by Bibler ancestors. In addition to his many trips, Jerry was a fixture at most all of his grandniece and nephew’s sporting events. He was in the stands for baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer and football, always cheering and encouraging. His weekends were filled with birthdays and barbecues as well as Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations. The last big trip the boys took was a bucket list trip to go visit the Sequoia National Park, per Jerry’s request. The majesty of the trees and the breathtaking views had a significant impact on him. He enjoyed experiencing life as well as learning about everyone around him. He was not only a true gentleman, but also a mentor who lived his life in a way that provided others a text book example worthy of emulation.

He had an adventurous spirit, but he also enjoyed the finer comforts in life, like taking his family and friends out to eat, healthy meals, artisan gelato, chocolate, and beautiful homes. He strongly valued health and fitness, and took excellent care of himself. He spoke seriously in his late 80s about writing a book on staying fit in your later years, but moved on when he realized there was not much of a market to make it viable. People regularly commented that he looked decades younger than his age. He loved getting to know people and was genuinely interested in their lives, whether they were friends, family, a masseuse, or a barista.

Jerry always made his daughters and grandchildren feel loved by taking them on special outings that were tailored to them. He was also a thoughtful gift-giver, encouraging his grandchildren to play with educational toys and read lots of books. He made sure to call often and stay in touch with all of his family and was amazing at asking about their lives and interests and truly listening to them. He was especially proud that all four of his grandchildren have higher education degrees, something that would not have been possible without his encouragement and financial support. Jerry will be extremely missed by his friends and family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his Brother Leonard Bibler, and his Sisters Betty Caldwell, Beverly Rush, and Vivian Zuidema.

Jerry’s legacy lives on through the family that he leaves behind: his Brother, Jay Bibler; Nephews Gary (Joan) Bibler and Steve (Kathleen) Bibler; Niece Sherri Witt; Daughters Monique Schutte and Denise Westbrook; Grandson Matthew (Tatiana) Schutte; Granddaughters: Jessica (Edward) Brave Thunder, Michelle (Chad) Westbrook Hinds, Nicole (Michael) McGaughey; Great Grandchildren: Carmen Brave Thunder, Chaela (Jeremiah) Brave Thunder-Carranza, Amelie and Rory Westbrook Hinds, and Adrien McGaughey. Great Grandnieces, Reilly Bibler, Kathryn Witt and Great Grandnephews; Thomas Bibler, Aidan Bibler, Gavin Bibler and Christopher Witt.