Guy Paden Gamble Jr. passed from this world a little before midnight Wednesday, October 24, 2012, surrounded by people who loved him. As Dad would say, "That's it. Fort Pitt." His life had been bright and joyful and active until his accidental fall Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. Paden was born July 25, 1915, to Guy Paden Gamble Sr. and Lucile Richey Gamble. He attended McKeesport High School and the University of Pittsburgh. In 1943, he enlisted in the Navy to serve his country in the South Pacific. There was no stateside desk job for Paden. The letters he wrote to his forever love and future wife, Betty Shaw Gamble, describe days at sea, weeks in foxholes, and months under fire. He was/is truly an American hero. Upon Paden's return from the war, he married Betty and shared a life with her until her death May 21, 2012. Besides being with his family and friends, what Paden enjoyed most was playing golf, mowing the grass, and dancing to the sounds of a big band. He was a gifted golfer, with an easy swing and a one time handicap of +1. The golfing slowed when Paden hit age 93. He loved to mow, spending afternoons on his John Deere, buzzing up and down the acres of lawn at his Traybrook home. Summer 2012 - Paden still hoped, "Do you think I might be able to mow again this year?" It was not to be. But he could still dance! And dance, he did, all summer long - with a grin and a snap of the fingers and a little twirl. Guy Paden Gamble Jr. leaves behind a son, Guy Paden Gamble III; a daughter, Brooke Gamble; three grandsons, Guy IV, Day and Sevren; and a great-granddaughter, Abby Lucile; his dedicated caregivers; and his steadfast buddies who never failed to visit and make him laugh. Paden's big personality, kindness, optimism and twinkling eye will sorely be missed. A private memorial service will be held at Ross Mountain. Instead of flowers, you may honor Paden by contributing to a veteran's organization, a charity of your choosing, or by thinking of him next time you dance.
Published in Greensburg Tribune Review on Oct. 27, 2012