Ernest L. Gibson Jr.

ERNEST L. GIBSON JR.

1921- 2009

Ernie Gibson died on Saturday, February 8, 2009 at Enloe Memorial Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel; children, Ernie III, Kathy, Diane; and grandchildren, Lee, Elizabeth, Carrie, Luke, Chris, Rebekah, and Jack. He also leaves two great-grandchildren, Will and Lorelei.

He was born in Oroville on May 18, 1921 to Mabel and Ernest Gibson Sr. (of Sutter, California). He graduated from Oroville High School and, later, the University of California School of Pharmacy. He served in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 until 1946 and was involved in the Battle for Okinawa. Returning to Oroville with his wife and son after the War, he opened Gibson's Pharmacy at the corner of Bird and Downer. He was the first to offer free delivery service for his patrons. He later opened a second drug store in Currier Square and practiced there until 1983.

Ernie was an active member of the Oroville community on the School Board, Chamber of Commerce, Fellows Club and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Always an excellent golfer, he participated in the planning and building of Table Mountain Golf Course. As an early enthusiast, he skied in the Sierras long before the ski lifts were installed.

In later years, he moved to Chico with his wife of 64 years. They were both long time members of Butte Creek Country Club.

Private family graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2009. An open house will follow at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Oroville, between 12:30 and 3:00 pm. We invite our friends to join us there to celebrate the life of our wonderful father, grandfather and husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in his name to the USO: USO.com or USO World Headquarters, Dept. WS, PO Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860.