FRESNO LEADERS, INCLUDING MAYOR AUTRY, APPLAUD RAMBO FOR HIS LIFE-LONG EFFORTS FOR ANIMALS
BY LOU LAMPE, EDITOR, CC/SPCA NEWS
It was a night that Gib Rambo will never forget. Saturday, January 19, 2002, at 5:30 p.m. when almost 300 people gathered at Tornino's Restaurant to pay tribute to the man who for 50 years helped make the Central California SPCA the very best animal shelter in the area, if not the State of California. Gib Rambo was that man. He served as Executive Director of the Society for 40 years, some good and some bad. At times, he and other Board members found it necessary to borrow from the bank to keep the SPCA afloat. But, when the going got tough, Rambo got tougher. Through his leadership and perserverance, the SPCA has become the envy of the neighborhood, a Society that all residents of Fresno City and County can point to with pride. No wonder so many leaders in Fresno came to honor the man who often refers to himself as the "Original Rambo."
No wonder that Alan Autry, the Mayor of Fresno, referred to him as the man who "gets things done, has extraordinary leadership ability, because he loves the people he works with as much as the animals." Then with his rich sense of humor, Mayor Autry said: "We actually have two well-known people who are about to retire. Gib Rambo of the SPCA. and Bob Long, who for four decades has entered our living rooms as a news anchor for KSEE-TV. I know some people who wish I would make it unanimous by announcing the same thing tonight, uh, but I'm not."
Harold Zinkin stepped to the microphone, took a prepared speech out of his pocket and tore it up. He said: "I don't need this. I've known Gib Rambo for almost 50 years. He's done an outstanding job for animals and the SPCA. I love the guy for being my best friend. Harold and his wife, Betty, brought about 24 guests to the dinner, filling three tables. The Zinkin family also donated a street sign for the entry to the SPCA grounds reading "Rambo Lane" and "Hughes Ave." They also presented the Society with a rendering that shows where all the buildings are on the 13 acres of SPCA property. Our thanks to the wonderful Zinkin family.
Gary Carozza, who represented the County of Fresno as Director of Human Services, also praised Rambo for his professionalism as Executive Director. Carozza said that through his 40 years of dealing with Gib Rambo on contracts relating to pound services by the SPCA, the Society was one of the easiest of all to deal with. "It has been wonderful dealing with you and your staff."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMISSIONED THIS BUST OF GIB RAMBO BY ARTIST BERNHARD HERR |
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Frank Creede, Jr., President of the Central California SPCA for 2002, thanked Rambo for the outstanding job he has done to instill in people of all ages the need to care for animals in the same manner that they do their best friends. "Animals are like people in many respects. They respond to tender, loving care. They like to be pampered, fed a proper diet, romp and play with family members. On the other hand, animals that are ignored, neglected or treated in an inhumane or cruel manner, easily become sullen, uncooperative and ready to fight or bite. Thank you, Mr. Rambo, for starting the education program that has the SPCA message being heard by young and old from kindergarten to college graduates and beyond. This Society has been so much richer with your excellent guidance. We are here tonight to extend to you our sincere gratitude.
Norm Minson, who was chosen by the Board of Directors to replace Rambo spoke to the crowd. He told them that he joined the SPCA 31 years ago, that he worked almost every job classification since that time until he became Rambo's asssistant. He said that he was pleased that their employer-employee relationship eventually turned into one of close friendship. He said he would be calling on Rambo from time to time because of his expertise. Minson said: "We're not going to let you go. You're still in charge."
The entire Board of Directors attended Rambo's Big Night -- President Frank Creed Jr.; Barbara Westerfield, Vice President; Carol O'Brien, Secretary; Lou Lampe, Treasurer; John Brechmann, Shirley Brinker, LeRoy Combs, Bud Pope, Chet Raypholtz and Barbara Rose.
Past Presidents who also attended were: Fred Biglione, John Brechmann, LeRoy Combs, Evan Hammer, Lou Lampe, Pete Peters, Bud Pope and Chet Raypholz.
During the years that Ruthelaine and Gib Rambo spent working for the SPCA, they became fast friends with quite a few of them. Some of the husbands of these couples have passed on, but many of their ladies were in attendance on January 19th to listen to the tributes to Gib Rambo and to present many of their own accolades to him -- including Shirley Brinker, Alma Collier, Joyce Dale, M.J. Kelly, Roxie Moradian and Irene Wilson.
Rambo deserved all the accolades. What a night! What a man!
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