Robert Gamette Biographical Sketch

(1995-submitted for “Panther Tracks 1995” published for our 40th reunion.)

After graduation in '55, I attended CSM for one year and then went in the Navy for 2 years on
active duty, stationed out of Hawaii. Upon my return, I re-entered CSM, graduated and went on to SF State and graduated in 1961.

While attending CSM, I met my wife, Marilyn March, who attended Blingum in 54-55 as a freshman. We were married in 1960 and moved to Chico, CA, where Marilyn received her teaching credential and I finished a Masters at CSU, Chico.

I retired from Chico Unified School District in June '94, after 33 years service, most of them as an Elementary School Principal. Early in my career, I taught 5th and 6th grades and we both taught one year in San Carlos.

We have three sons; Greg, 30, a fisheries biologist, recently married and living in Elk Grove, CA; Andrew, 26, a paramedic and living in Chico; and Geoff, 18, working full time and living in Chico. We still enjoy camping and canoeing a great deal. I also help Marilyn with her wild animal rehabilitation activities and volunteer at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, where Marilyn works as an Interpretive Specialist for the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

We very much enjoy country western dancing, and also spend a good deal of time maintaining our restored '58 Chevy pickup and our '62 Volkswagen bus. Since I've been retired, I have had more time to enjoy some fly fishing both in California and at my sister's home in Montana. Retirement is the greatest!

(Jan 2005-addendum submitted for the 50 th Reunion)

I can't believe it's been 10 years since our last reunion, 50 years since graduation and 45 years of marriage! All great years including my retirement which I'm still thoroughly enjoying without the slightest urge to do any real work.

A few notable things have happened since 1995. In February of `98 I received a "new" kidney from my "angel" sister, Debbie. It has enabled me to not be on dialysis for my hereditary Polycystic Kidney disease and to lead quite a normal life. Little Cheyenne Gamette joined the family in 2000 and Marilyn and I surely do enjoy being grandparents. Son, Greg, wife Ginger and Cheyenne live in Elk Grove.

Andy, our middle son, married Cheri in 2001. Andy a paramedic and Cheri, a teacher trainer, live in Chico.

Our youngest son, Geoff designed and started building our mountain cabin-home at Lake Almanor in 2002 and completed it last fall. It is truly one-of-a-kind and we love spending as much time as possible in the mountains.
This past August, Marilyn had the great misfortune to be the "poster" lady for the first case of West Nile virus in Butte County. Although she was extremely ill, she pulled through with the help of our paramedic son, family and a good doctor. After four months off, she has returned to her U.S. Fish & Wildlife job working part time with permanent retirement coming soon. We both feel like we are starting another "life"!

I continue to enjoy taking care of our numerous domestic animals as well as helping Marilyn with the rehabilitation of many native wildlife critters. Keeping the `62 VW bus and our `58 Chevy three-on-the-tree stepside truck (both original) going, rounds out my "work" schedule.

The "play" schedule includes a little kayaking, short hikes, snowshoeing and birding at the lake.
To all my "Blingum" classmates, best wishes and I hope to see you at the big FIVE-O!

1959, Bob and Marilyn Engagement Photo

1992, Butte Meadows Outdoor School
Bob, Principal
Marilyn, Director/Naturalist

2002, Gamette Family Gathering
L. to R.: Greg (oldest son) and wife Ginger w/granddaughter Cheyenne; Marilyn, Andy (middle son) and wife Cheri, Geoff (youngest son); and Bob.

2003, Celebrating 43 years of marriage
Cruz Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

2004, Bob celebrating the 4th of July in Chester parade.
Marilyn is driving her restored 1958 Chevy truck

2004, Bob and friend with our first new car, a 1962 VW Combi (bus)

2004 (Nov), Lake Almanor West, our new cabin home
Marilyn and son Geoff celebrating passing the construction final inspection
Geoff was the designer and builder