From Angie via email: “Gabe was President/Chairman of the Mentone Chamber of Commerce for about 2 years and formerly the Vice President. He was also the President of Mentone Area Community Association for 9 years.
“Gabe was very involved in the Mentone Area and attended many San Bernardino County Supervisor meetings over the yaers, advocating for Mentone. He also attended LAFCO, and Redlands City Council meetings.
“He was very well known in the community because he also had the Thrift Shop at 1875 Mentone Blvd. for years. It was Mentone Beach Thrift store and Mentone Beach Ministries. He helped many of the less fortunate.
“Gabe was very active in the Adopt a Highway Program. He was always helpng to clean up the highway. He would be seen at the holidays putting up the Tumbleweed Snowman and Christmas Trees.
“Gabe and his wife Angie had a singing duo, The Versatile’s, and they entertained for the Mentone Senior Center for their parties, and also, at some of the local events.
“Gabe also supported the community at all eents both monetarily and as volunteer.
“He loved to see the events like the Chili Cookoff, Mentone Days, Casino Nights, and last year’s 134th Birthday Party for Mentone become yearly events. He was hoping for a Mentone Parade someday.
“Gabe was a great, helpful, and joyful person and will be missed in the community.
“Gabe was always looing for some younger community members to step up and take his lead for a safer, cleaner, and prosperous Community that benefits all.”
“The Mentone Chamber of Commerce and C.O.M.E.T. meetings will resume TUESDAY JANUARY 25th 7 p.m. at Mill Creek Cattle Company. The Vice President will fill in until we fill the vacancy.”