F. Trevor Gamble, Ph.D.

“On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to obey the Scout law, to help other people at all times and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight”, not just an oath, but rather a blueprint for the life of Francis Trevor “Trig” Gamble who passed away January 5, 2023 after 94 years of making the world a better place.

Born in Montpelier, Vermont, to the late Roy F. and Irene (Fennel) Gamble, Trig grew up in the northeast and volunteered many summers in upstate New York as a junior leader at the Susquenango Council Boy Scout camp. He was an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, Vice Chairman of the District Committee, member of Simon Kenton Council Executive Committee, and was awarded the highest award which a district may bestow on one of its Scouters, District Award of Merit. Additionally, he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award, a national award for distinguished service to youth.  

An early interest in aviation led Trig to enlist in the Navy in 1946 after graduation from high school. After two years at Colgate University, he entered flight training and received his wings and commission in 1950. He served in a night carrier squadron logging more than 3100 flight hours which included 24 nighttime carrier landings. He was proficient in flying 10 different aircraft, both prop and jet, and held three commands with 35 years of service. He retired as Captain in 1980. 

After his active-duty service, Trig returned to Colgate where he completed his undergraduate studies. He then furthered his education at the University of Connecticut where he earned both a master’s degree and his Ph.D. in physics. This education opened the door for him at Denison University where he began teaching in the physics department in 1963. Dr. Gamble enjoyed a 33-year career at Denison which included nine years of service as Dean of Students in the 1970s, teaching physics, astronomy, and Alpine Skiing, and performing concurrent research in Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Optical Information Processing. He was co-founder of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) as a means to enhance opportunities for women in sports. 

Trig was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Granville where he served multiple terms as elder, on many committees, and Clerk of Session. He also was active with many professional, academic, and community organizations including the United Way of Licking County (board, VP Planning) and Newark Granville Symphony Orchestra (board, Chairman). He kept active in his pastimes which included sailing, scuba diving, triathlons, and skiing. He will be remembered as an accomplished gentleman who mentored and championed many. Trig was full of life and a devoted husband and father who cherished his family. 

Surviving are his children and their spouses, Trevor and Kim Gamble, Jr., Becky and Doug Pyle, and Melinda Gamble Lovern and Brent Swartz; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, Trig was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Carolyn Barber Gamble, who died in 2018; and two sisters, Eileen and Isabel.

 A memorial service celebrating Trig’s life will be held January 14, 2023 at 1:30 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway, Granville with the Rev. Karen J. Chakoian as celebrant. A reception will follow in Heritage Hall at the church. A private graveside service will be held at College Cemetery, Denison University.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the F. Trevor Gamble Fund, Licking County Foundation, P.O. Box 4212, Newark, OH 43058-4212.

 Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.

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