John Middlebrook

John Middlebrook, age 75, from Chico, CA, entered into rest on March 9, 2010 at Enloe Hospital, in the loving arms of his family and close friends. He was born March 22, 1935 in San Francisco, CA to Wren and Ruth Middlebrook. At the beginning of World War II, his parents, concerned for his safety and the safety of his brothers Sam and David, purchased a large piece of land in Dobbins, CA. The land, known as "The Ranch" served as his childhood home. He attended the one room schoolhouse in Dobbins and then went to Marysville High school, where he graduated at the age of 15. In Dobbins, he developed his love of the outdoors, shooting guns, and being a steward of the land. Family legend has it that he could shoot out the flame on a candle at the age of 4! After graduating from Marysville High School in 1950, he moved to San Francisco to attend San Francisco City College. Being very patriotic, he enrolled in ROTC and remained in this program as he continued his education at the University of Nevada, Reno. While at UNR, he was on the 1956 National Championship Rifle shooting team. It was there that he met his life partner, Joan Sawle Middlebrook in the dining hall. He graduated in 1957 with a degree in Mining Engineering and earned a masters degree in Geological Engineering. Upon the completion of his education, he entered into service with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. When he returned from active duty, he married Joan in Reno, Nevada on June 10, 1961. He worked for the city of San Francisco, Yuba County, and Sacramento City in their public works departments. He retired from the U.S. Army reserves as a full Colonel. He spent most of his years living in Marysville, where he could be close to the ranch and near his family. He enjoyed raising his children in Marysville and was very involved in scouting and volksmarching. In 2000, he and Joan moved to Chico to be closer to family. In Chico he was involved in the Butte Rose Society and served on the Board of Directors for Forest Landowners of California. John was a member of the Reserve Officers Association. In 2008, John was inducted into the UNR Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1956 National Intercollegiate Championship Rifle Team. John was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joan Middlebrook; his son, Bill Middlebrook and his wife, Julie of Ripon; daughter, Susan Chrisco and her husband, Mark of Chico, and his daughter, Annie Simpson and her husband, Pete of Auckland, New Zealand. John also had the joy of sharing in the lives of his six grandchildren: Clara, Gracie, Sophie, Tristan, Katelyn and Johnny. A Service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Bidwell Presbyterian Church at 10:00 a.m. and will be officiated by Pastor Steve Schibsted. Brusie Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.