| Graduation Year | Class of 1950 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 25, 2023 |
| About | William (Bill) Donald Gilbert passed away at his home on the morning of August 25, 2023 at the age of 91 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with COPD. William was born on December 12, 1931 in Avon, WA to Willard and Leota (Harris) Gilbert He graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1950. He was a very talented and dedicated athlete, participating in many sports: football, baseball, basketball, and track & field. William was voted football team captain his senior year and was awarded a position on the All Northwest District team that year, as a pass-catching end. After graduation, William moved to Northern California where he was stationed at Moffett Field Naval Air Base in Mountain View. He served as a flight radio operator in the VR-5 Squadron, Navy air force for three and one-half years. During his service, William’s squadron provided air transport during the Korean conflict. After completing his Navy service, William earned bachelors and graduate degrees at San Jose State University. He worked as a 6th grade and middle school science teacher for the Campbell Union Elementary School District for over three decades. He also spent his summers as a cannery foreman for the Richmond Chase Company for many years. Wiliiam married Anita (Santa Maria) Gilbert on August 27th, 1961. After retirement, William spent his time enjoying many trips to the Spanish Mediterranean town of Calpe, Spain, a place he grew to love as a second home. William also made annual trips to his childhood home of Mount Vernon, WA. He was an avid duck hunter who also enjoyed fishing and backpacking. In his retirement Bill was finally able to restore his vintage Mustang with his son Steve. The two of them enjoyed attending car shows where his beloved Mustang won many awards. William is preceded in death by his father, Willard Henry Gilbert (1973) and Leaota Vivian (Harris) Gilbert (1980), and brother Eugene Gilbert (2008). William is survived by his wife Anita of 62 years, son Donald (Nathalie) of Seattle, son Steven of San Jose,sister Geraldine Branch of Seattle, and grandson William. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews living in the Puget Sound area of Washington state. A graveside service for William will be held Friday, October 20th at 11:00 am at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the COPD Foundation Research branch in memory of William Gilbert. |
