Robert Edward Gilbert, age 93, with his family nearby, died Sunday, November 20 in Oakdale after a brief illness. Born in Oakdale to Amos L. and Emma (Banks) Gilbert, Bob was affectionately known as Father, Grandpa, Great-grandpa, Uncle Bob, Mr. Gilbert and Loyal Friend. Bob attended UC Berkeley until he was called to active duty in WW II.
Receiving his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy he was assigned to the USS Guam, a newly deployed battle cruiser. At the end of the war he married the love of his life; Beverly Jane Stone. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a BS degree in Agricultural Economics. Following the death of his father, he joined his brothers Lawrence and William in the family business, A.L. Gilbert Co., which was established by his father in 1892.
He is survived by; his children Charles E Gilbert of Chinook, WA; Robert T (Jan) Gilbert of Oakdale; Terry A Gilbert of Woodland; David S (Kristin) Gilbert of Oakdale; and Michael A (Susan) Gilbert of Wilton; his grandchildren Jonah L Gilbert of Three Rivers; Christian H Gilbert of Oakdale; Charles R Gilbert of Three Rivers; Ian R (Laurie) Gilbert of Temecula; Jared S Gilbert of Three Rivers; Diana R (Chris) Costales of Santa Barbara; Elizabeth A (Erik) Gilbert-Cotton of Oakdale; Shannon B (Steven) Hayes of Ripon; Heather L (Morgan Wearin) Welch of Oakdale; Gilbert B (Christy) Tucker of Woodland; Emily J (Dan) Murphey of Woodland; Holly K Ravetz of Johnstown, CO; Robert D Gilbert of Boulder, CO; Inga M Gilbert of Chicago, IL; Samantha (Chris) Cahill of Galt; Leslie M (Ryan) Baughman of Winters; and Tanner D Gilbert of Wilton; his great grandchildren Aden L Gilbert; Kayleigh S Gilbert; Nikolai A Thompson-Gilbert; Jack K Costales; Charlie H Costales; Bradley C Tucker; Derek M Tucker; Chloe A Murphey; Olive G Murphy; Rose A Murphy; Cecilia E Cotton; Gianna B Cotton; Julianna B Cotton; Wyatt S Hayes; Robert C Hayes; Ava G Underhill-Ravetz; Colton C Cahill and Emmerson A Cahill. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Beverly; parents Amos and Emma; brothers Lawrence, Daniel and William; sisters Jeanette and Floye (Stone); great granddaughter Emma J Cotton and grandson Alexander J Ravetz.
Bob spent 70 years stewarding A.L. Gilbert Company into becoming one of the oldest family owned businesses in Stanislaus County. Bob built the business by nurturing personal relationships with all that crossed his path. The testimony of these relationships were validated by the numerous awards, tributes and commendations he received; culminating in being named Agriculturist of the Year for the State of California in July 2011. He gave unselfishly to all and will be greatly missed.
The family requests that any remembrances be sent to the Children’s Guardian Fund, P.O. Box 2455, Oakdale CA 95361 or to a charity of your choosing.
A celebration of his life will be held on December 17, 2016 at the Oakdale F.E.S. hall located at 190 N. Lee Avenue between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Dec. 7, 2016