Geoffrey Gilbert, 60, died suddenly on Monday, Jan. 30 from heart failure.

He grew up in Oakdale. At age 14, he became an Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor. At Oakdale High School he played football, baseball and golf. He was valedictorian of the class of 1969. He was accepted with honors at the University of California, Los Angeles. He graduated with a B.S. degree from U.C. Berkeley in 1976.

While attending college, he became an accomplished pilot. After college, he became an entrepreneur. He had a business selling and installing satellite dishes. He also had a cellular phone sales company.

Mr. Gilbert traveled extensively. In the 1970s in India, he met Pete Townsend of “The Who” and the two became lifelong friends. He attended many rock concerts in America and Europe. At “The Who” concerts he always had backstage passes.

He was a follower of the Indian mystic and spiritual leader Meher Baba.

He will be missed by his many friends and family. His beloved companion was his dog Max.

He is survived by his brother, Jay Gilbert; sister, Eleanor Sue Gilbert; niece, Robyn Petersen; and nephews, Brett and James Gilbert.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Banks Gilbert in 1969; and mother, Helen Hogan Gilbert in 1970.

Per his request, there will be no services.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Feb. 15, 2012