Merle T. Vibert Apr 23, 1932 - Jan 10, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Merle Trueman Vibert, announced his passing at Sierra View District Hospital on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the age of 85 years.
He was born on April 23, 1932 in Miscou Island, New Brunswick, Canada, the son of William and Cathrine (Brune) Vibert. At 13, he left the family farm to seek better opportunities. At 21, he moved to California where he was a grocery manager and worked in construction for a brief period. In 1965, he started his bowling alley career with Brunswick Corporation at Stardust Bowl in West Covina, California. In 1982, he was transferred to Olive Avenue Bowl in Porterville as the Lead Mechanic and that remained his profession until he retired at Porterville Lanes at the age of 79.
He was an avid bowler participating at local, state and national tournaments. He was proud of earning his perfect 300 game rings. He loved baseball, football, coin collecting, history, listening to older country music, studying the civil war, and playing Santa for the Children’s Hospital. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Bowling Association.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 35 years, Linda L. (Dunlap) Vibert. His sisters: Victoria Adamson, Verna Gagnon, Betty Thomas, and his brother: Lyman Vibert. His children: Kathy Carter, John (Norma), Paul (Michele), and Mathew (Lisa) Vibert, Sherri (Mike) Johnson and Charlie Thomas. Known as Papa, he will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Jennifer (Rene) Chavez, Elizabeth (Arthur) Carter, Brian Vibert, Brittany (Mitchell) Mahaffey, Kenneth Vibert, Ashleigh Hughes, Ariana Thomas, Corey Hughes, Samantha & Elizabeth Vibert, Sara Cano, Rylie Hubbard, Melissa & Jessica Vibert and Caden Hubbard and his great-grandchildren: Gabriel Rivera, Rhiannon & Nathaniel Chavez, Yvonne Mendoza, Maddox Mahaffey, Kylei Hughes, Jade Luna, Brady & Macie Mahaffey and Weslynn Nelson. He was predeceased by his daughter: Patricia Layng. His brothers: Milton, Donald, and Lewis Vibert and his sisters Myrtle & Alma Vibert.
A celebration of Merle’s (Papa) life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at the Porterville Church of God, 940 W. Jubilee Lane, with Rev. David White officiating. The reception will follow at Porterville Lanes, 952 W. Grand Avenue at 3:00 p.m.