Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Gilbert Obituary
Jan. 1, 1963 -
Oct. 3, 2012
John, a resident of Scotts Valley, CA, leaves behind his beloved wife, Donna; his son, Nathaniel; his mother and father, Ann and Ed Gilbert; and his brother, Paul Gilbert. He was 49 years of age at the time of his death.
John, always of good health until his sudden death early Wednesday morning, October 3, 2012, from a cerebral rupture in his brain, had an incredibly brilliant mind and a great love for his family. John got a great jumpstart on life as the first baby born in California in 1963 - yes, at 12:01 am, on January 1.
John's interests, in addition to his family, included extensive reading, the study of all venues of history, geography, science, politics and humane affairs; a strong following of his favorite sports teams - the Oakland Athletics and the Oakland Raiders; and a very active and successful long-time participation in board and online gaming.
John's endeavors in life included his graduation from Yuba City High School; his four years of service in the US Air Force, where he was a highly recognized specialist in the maintenance of gyroscopic systems on the largest of the Air Force's transport planes - the massive C5A; his rise through the ranks with the City of Santa Cruz to the position of Supervisor at the city's Waste Water Treatment Plant; his involvement with the Service Employees International Union, and his service as the unpaid President of the city's chapter of that union; his extensive coaching for his son's sports teams; his hiking and camping excursions with members of his family; and his travel through central and eastern Europe, with his father, for the study of those countries' histories and cultures.
John will be greatly missed by his family and by all others who knew him closely.
A memorial service, to honor John, will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, October 15, at the church of John's wife, Donna - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ocean Branch. The church is located at 220 Elk Street, Santa Cruz, CA.
Send Condolences
www.appealdemocrat.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gilbert
Dave Rosener
October 4, 2020
Miss you, friend.
Dave
November 28, 2012
John was a great guy. I met him at Front Street Brewing where he was a cook back in the 80's. His gregarious personality was a perfect fit for my group of pals from the Parks Department. Surprise surprise John hooked on with the City and became a crew member as well as a friend. John took on the work with an eye to improving efficiency with a laugh. He promoted, and later moved on to the treatment plant where his career took off. Always a good guy to run into, I particularly enjoyed the off work times, the trip to the ballgame with the crew and his father Ed, and his sharp wit. I'm still surprised he's gone.
Rest in Peace Brother
Nov 27, 2012
November 7, 2012
John was a wonderful guy, thank you for everything you did for the City of Santa Cruz Service workers. May you rest in peace~
Ty Burman
October 14, 2012
You will be missed my friend.
October 14, 2012
For the Gilbert Family,
Carol and I are thinking of you at this sad time. We wish you God's peace and comfort and hold you in our prayers,
Jim and Carol Toney
Jessyca Knife
October 14, 2012
Paul, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Brenda Sorensen
October 12, 2012
Thank you John for all you gave to our little leaguers and beyond. May you be at peace in the presence of our Lord.
Agnes Merlo
October 12, 2012
We are sorry to hear of Johns' passing. He was my sons' little league baseball coach and helped coach with my husband. I will always remember him as a kind hearted and fair coach. He often used kind words to teach the kids and a total gentleman on the field. He was very patient with Nathan and the kids. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. Sincerely the Merlo family
Leslie Scanagatta
October 11, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with John in the Union for several years. Honorable, fair, and just a great guy. I always enjoyed working with him. He made a difference in people's lives. My thoughts are with you.
October 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to all of John's family. May you always remember the happy and best times and find comfort in those memories. Sincerely Kay Empey
Carol Johnson
October 10, 2012
R.I.P.JOHN
Carol Johnson
October 10, 2012
R.I.P. John
Carol Johnson
October 10, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gilbert family.The world has lost a great man.
Dan Gilbert
October 10, 2012
Rest in peace my cousin.
October 10, 2012
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your recent loss.
~ The Appeal-Democrat Family
Karen Kraft
October 10, 2012
John, you will be missed. The world has lost a great mind and a loving person.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in John Gilbert's name
Memorial Events
for John Gilbert
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Gilbert's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
