September 27, 1948 - March 5, 2017

The first son of Navy Commander Carl Gobel and wife Margaret, Jan was born in Oakland, California and spent his early years in Japan where his father was stationed. Jan passed away under hospice care in San Diego, California where he had lived on and off for many years. A consummate salesman, he spent his working life selling award-winning children's books and was the face of Green Tiger Press, Laughing Elephant, Picture Book Studio and Ars Edition. Jan is survived by his sons, Marlon and Lars, whom he raised in San Diego, Boston and Seattle and his brothers, Alan, Gary and Glenn. He was preceded in death by his parents and longtime companion, Virginia Barbey. At Jan's request, his ashes will be scattered at Windansea Beach in La Jolla at sunset on Friday, March 17th.