Gabriel “Gabe” Sanchez, Jr.

Gabriel Sanchez, Jr. was born in Tulare, CA on November 8, 1949 and passed away at home on December 30, 2020, at the age of 71 from Prostrate Cancer.

Gabe attended local schools in Porterville, CA graduating from Porterville High School with the class of 1968.

Gabe was an outstanding athlete and broke many local and state records in long distance and cross country running.

After high school, Gabe went on to Porterville JC and earned a scholarship in cross country to CAL State Northridge. Gabe graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Recreational Sports and used his love of sports and competitiveness throughout his life.

Gabe devoted his life to public service as a coach, US Federal Forrest Fighter, and proudly wore the uniform of the California Highway Patrol. Gabe served 29 years at the Ft. Tejon CHP “the Grapevine” station.

If you knew Gabe, you knew of his love for his Beloved Dodgers, and even though he was ill, he still got up and watched his team win the World Series in 2020.

Gabe is survived by his wife Jan Wright Sanchez, son Daxton Sanchez, daughter Afton Sanchez, his mother Mary Rico, brothers Louie Sanchez, Raul Sanchez, Tony Sanchez, Nate Rico and sisters Theresa Sanchez and Diane Nieblas.

Visitation for Gabriel will be held January 21, 2021 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm with Rosary at 3:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. Funeral Services will be held January 22, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Shrine Our Lady of Guadalupe, 4600 E. Brundage Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93307, followed by Graveside Services at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Due to Covid 19, all services will be outside with social distancing guidelines.

Memorial donations in Gabe’s honor can be sent to Tips for CHIPS. CAHP Widows and Orphans Trust Fund at

CAHP, PO Box 161209, Sacramento, CA. 95816