John Gibbons English

John Gibbons English, born December 15, 1924 passed away May 16, 2011, at age 86 at his daughter’s home in Newcastle. He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Dale, and daughter, Joanne; also by two nieces, Ellen and Jane, and two nephews, Frank and Jim. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Clara Victorine English and older brother, Frank.

John was a Veteran of W.W. II, serving as a Staff Sgt. in England, France, Germany and Belgium from 1943 through 1945. He landed at Omaha Beach in France on D-Day plus 30. He has a collection of medals to show for his service to his country.

John was born to Frank and Clara Victorine English in Seattle, Washington and raised on Puget Sound’s Three Tree Point where he especially enjoyed sailing. After returning from the war, he continued his education, graduating from the University of Washington in 1949 with a degree in Business Administration. He is a Life Member of the University of Washington Alumni Association.

John and Dale were married on June 6, 1953 at the Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel, California after meeting on a blind date.

John worked for 35 years in Sales and Marketing for Union Oil Company. (He also spent some time as Personnel Manager and in Real Estate for the company and received his Real Estate Broker’s License.) After retiring from Union Oil, he worked another 20 years in sales for B.C. Stocking and Dawson oil companies.

John enjoyed skiing and League Bowling. He also coached girls’ softball teams through minors, majors, senior leagues and All-Stars when his daughter played. He was President of Fair Oaks Girls Softball and Northern California Girls Softball Assn.

John was a 32nd degree Mason and member of Bakersfield Scottish Rite.

He enjoyed working elections and volunteering at the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet and Twin Lakes Food Bank. He also volunteered at Track and Field events at American River College and U.S. Olympic Trials.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Redeemer Covenant Church, General Fund, 6800 Main Ave, Orangevale, CA. 95662, where John is a member.

Donations may also be made to the: Auburn Interfaith Food Closet, P.O. Box 132, Auburn, CA. 95604 or Twin Lakes Food Bank, 327 Montrose Dr., Folsom, CA. 95630.

Friends are invited to attend his memorial service Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at 11 a.m., Redeemer Covenant Church, burial in Newcastle Cemetery, 850 Taylor Road, Newcastle, CA. 2 p.m.