John Michael Gilbert
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.
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Published in Appeal Democrat from October 10 to October 11, 2012
