John Gabrick, 86, passed away on January 16, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in 1934 in Minnesota, the oldest of four brothers. He was married to Delores Kosin in 1955 until she passed away in 2012. He is survived by his three children, six grandchildren and his brother, Jim and his family. Most recently his life was greatly enriched by his beloved Margaret Lofquist.
In 1955, John joined the US Air Force and became a pilot with an exemplary service record including over 300 combat missions. In 1974, after retiring from the Air Force in Grand Forks, ND, he made a career in insurance and automobile sales and also ran an aircraft Fixed Base Operation at the Grand Forks Airport. In retirement, many days were spent refining his golf game and traveling the country to visit his family.
John dearly loved his family and friends and had a lifelong passion for woodworking. He provided us with countless laughs and sage advice. He leaves us with fond memories of a life well lived.
Arrangements will be handled by Mountain View Funeral Home, 7900 E Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207.
A memorial service will be held later this Spring. As soon as it has been scheduled, the information will be posted here. Memorial offerings in honor of John may be sent to a Veteran’s charity of your choosing.
Deepest sympathies and condolences to family and friends. It was an honor and privilege to have served with John.
LT Col Paul J. Alves, USAF, (Ret)
I had the pleasure of flying with Major Gabrick in Viet Nam and again in training at Castle AFB in Merced, Ca in 1970/71. He generously invited me over for dinner and to meet his family many times. He had a very quick wit. While on TDY in Merced, he and I drove up to Calaverus County to see the World Frog Jumping Championship. I suggested we catch a frog and enter it in the contest. Major Gabrick thought that was a good idea, but said we better catch a young one because you can’t teach an old frog new tricks! Somehow that really hit my funny bone and I’ve never forgotten it. I thought many times through the years of trying to track him down and catch up, but I never did…….wish I had. He was a good man and a lot of fun.
Deepest sympathies and condolences to family and friends. It was an honor and privilege to have served with John.
LT Col Paul J. Alves, USAF, (Ret)
I had the pleasure of flying with Major Gabrick in Viet Nam and again in training at Castle AFB in Merced, Ca in 1970/71. He generously invited me over for dinner and to meet his family many times. He had a very quick wit. While on TDY in Merced, he and I drove up to Calaverus County to see the World Frog Jumping Championship. I suggested we catch a frog and enter it in the contest. Major Gabrick thought that was a good idea, but said we better catch a young one because you can’t teach an old frog new tricks! Somehow that really hit my funny bone and I’ve never forgotten it. I thought many times through the years of trying to track him down and catch up, but I never did…….wish I had. He was a good man and a lot of fun.