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2017/09/04 - Stockton, CA, AEB

John Peter Arrabit, Sr., a loving father, husband, and partner; avid hunter, fisherman, and good friend to many died at his home Monday, September 4.

He was born February 28, 1933, in Nashua, Montana, the second son of an Basque immigrantsheep herder and his wife, Benardand Catherine Arrabit. John, along with his older brother, Paul practiced in the family trade herding sheep across the open plains of Montana, and later during their high school years throughout the Sierra Foothills of Calaveras County. Two peas in a pod, John and his brother as teenagers occasionally got into a little trouble playing practical jokes on others, speeding on county roads, and tormenting their little sisters, Ana and Mary. Upon graduating high school John enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War. 

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, John became a firefighter with Stockton Fire Department. But on October 1, 1957, John found his true calling and became a California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer. He worked in the Indio, San Francisco, Stockton and Auburn Commands and ultimately retired out of the Gold Run Area. 

John met Marcy Clark at the Calaveras County Frog Jump in the early 1960's and married her shortly thereafter. The two of them moved from Stockton in 1967 to the foothill community of Meadow Vista where they raised their two sons John Arrabit, Jr. (John John) and Paulo Arrabit. Upon moving to Meadow Vista John joined and faithfully served the Meadow Vista Fire Department. He was appointed fire chief in 1985, a position he held until 1993.

John met Ann Harvey, in the mid 1980's. Ann was a perfect match for John. They enjoyed cross country travel, dirt bike riding, and adventure. The two of them traveled around the country in their motor home for several years before finally deciding to settle in their Winter home in San Carlos, Mexico and their Summer home in Grass Valley California. 

At 84 years of age Johnlived a full and healthy life close tofamily and friends that was filled with exploration and adventure. He is preceded in death by his father, mother and brother. He is survived by his sisters, Ana Etcheberry and Mary Jackson; two sons, John Arrabit and Paulo Arrabit; daughter -in-law Susan Arrabit and son-in-law Ronnie Veirs; step-daughter, Teri Harris; step-sons, Eric and Larry Harvey; granddaughters Jessica Jackson-Arrabit, Amy Wasson and Kimberly Harris; grandsons Anthony Jackson-Arrabit, Brad Harvey, Michaeland Bryan Harris, and a handful of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

John would mostly want to be remembered as a proud and loving father, a quiet gentleman and leader who always saw the best in people. He touched many lives and will always be loved and remembered by those who knew him.

(published on Sept. 10, 2017 in Auburn Journal, Legacy.com)