Leslie William Gilbert

Leslie Gilbert Obituary

Leslie William

Gilbert
Leslie William Gilbert, 86, returned to his Father in Heaven on February 27, 2011.
Born July 6, 1924 in Zion, Arkansas, Les was the youngest of eight children of Joseph and Sophia Gilbert. When he was 16 years old, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, which brought him to Washington State. On October 16, 1948, he married his sweetheart and eternal companion, Bertha Luella Lilley.
Les was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved to serve the Lord through serving his fellow men. He embodied the commandment, "Love one another as I have loved you."
He had a keen sense of humor and appreciated a good joke. He also enjoyed singing. Many Saturday mornings were spent practicing with a barbershop quartet.
Les worked as a mechanic. In his life, he enjoyed collecting tools, woodworking, building, growing a garden and pouring cement. He loved to work and took pride in whatever task was at hand, always doing his best.
He will be remembered as a great man who showed equal humility. He loved his wife and family and expressed his love tenderly and often. He was devout. He knew his Savior and gloried in His work.
"The prettiest girl in the world," Bertha, passed away in April 2010. Les is survived by daughter, Marilee (Ken) Salvesen, Salt Lake City, Utah; son, Timothy (Alisa), Walla Walla; daughter, Arlene (Darryl) Wilks, Cusick; eight grandchildren; great-grandchildren; step-son, Edward Smith, and daughter-in-law, Carol Bailey, Portland, Oregon; and special nephew, Bill (Sheena) Allen, Yelm.
A funeral will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 600 Overhulse Road NW, Olympia. A visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. prior to services at the chapel. Interment will be at Mills & Mills Memorial Park, Tumwater. The family suggests donations to the Perpetual Education fund of the LDS Church: Perpetual Education Fund, 50 East North Temple Street, Room 1521, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 (online: pef.lds.org) or a charity of your choice.
Your memories of Les and condolences for the family may be made online at www.FuneralAlternatives.org Funeral Alternatives of Washington (360) 753-1065.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Olympian on Mar. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Gilbert

Sponsored by John Wright.

12 Entries

Terry Gosney

May 31, 2025

Les Gilbert once called my non-member dad into his bishop's office at church. He asked my dad to contribute to the church's building fund. My dad just asked "How much?" and opened his checkbook. That was partially because my dad could see how much good the church was doing for me and my siblings, and even more than that, because he knew and loved Les Gilbert. My mom loved Bishop Gilbert as well. It wasn't difficult to figure out why--he was always loving and caring toward our family--though my mom was not active and my dad was not a member of the church, he took a special interest in their children. Les Gilbert...I may not comprehend, in this life, the impact you had on my life; but I anticipate a wonderful reunion and an incredible heart-to-heart talk on the other side. Thank you!!!

Deon Alexander Taylor

March 8, 2011

Though short in stature, Pres. Gilbert was a spiritual giant. We never doubted that he cared about us, and his counsel was always thoughtful and uplifting. He was fun to be around and had a great sense of humor. Even after years of being away, whenever I would see him, he always had time to chat and loving encouragement to share. His influence still affects my life, and I am very grateful for his example.

Clyde & Ila Jardine

March 8, 2011

President Gilbert and his sweet wife, Bertha, have both been a special blessing in our lives. We are grateful for the many lessons learned from this wonderful couple during their lifetime. We are sorry we cannot be in attendance at the funeral of this spiritual giant, but know that our love and prayers are with the family. Clyde & Ila Jardine, American Fork, Utah

Vicki Wright Sabin

March 7, 2011

President Gilbert was my stake president as a youth. I will always remember his analogy to life as going up an "up" escalator. He said that even when we think we're staying in the same spot, we're still moving. I loved his positive and practical view on life. I'm so thankful he was a part of my life and helped me on my path. Marilee & Tim - you are blessed to call him "dad".

Martha Welling

March 6, 2011

President Gilbert was such an amazing man in my life and so accepting of my family. He became a part of my life when my family was investigating the church. What a great spirit he had about him. He and Bertha were good friends to my mother, especially. For that I will ever be grateful. Tim and Marilee, you are loved!

Diane Jardine Schofield

March 6, 2011

President Gilbert was a great man who also taught me many spiritual lessons in my youth. He was quiet and mindful in his lessons. I'm grateful that he now can return to his sweetheart. Merillee and Tim I sorry for your lost. He was a great example to all. I love watching how he treated your mother, always love and respect. Thank you for this wonderful memory!

Keith & Patricia Morse

March 5, 2011

It wasn’t until this morning, that we learned about the passing of Leslie Gilbert. Another Spiritual Giant has departed mortality. What a special man who has now joined up with his sweetheart. I loved this man. I served on the High Council when he was Stake President and later served as the Stake Executive Secretary reporting directly to him. When we moved to Tumwater, I also became a close neighbor. I learned so much from this very humble servant of the Lord. His life was lived in the service of Lord and his fellow man. I’ve served with many wonderful brothers and sisters…including emeritus General Authorities and I’ve never seen the abundance of the spirit so great as that that accompanied Les Gilbert. Our thoughts and prayers are with each family member. God bless you.

March 5, 2011

Right up the last minute, Joyce, Vicki and I were going to make it to the funeral for our dear friend Les Gilbert. Joyce's health situation along with the horrible pass conditions today made us think better of even trying the make the trip. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We would love to hear from Merridee and Tim by e-mail just to bring us up to date. Tim you are only 30 miles from us here in Kennewick. So many memories. Les was Bishop at the time of my conversion and baptized me. His comment will never be forgotten - "I feel like I am baptizing a big wooley bear". Again, many pleasant memories exist with the Wrights and the Gilberts.
With sincere love and affection,
Bill Wright
Kennewick, WA
[email protected]

John WrIght

March 5, 2011

I don't remember anything but lift. Anything related to President Gilbert was a positive for me. He was my first mentor and I don't think anyone knows that but me and him. As my Stake President and leader he inspired me and my friends to be able to enjoy life while still obeying the rules. I'm going to guess that most of you that read this didn't know what Pres Gilbert did for work. I did. He was my first employer at Ken Meixner Internation Truck shop on Martin Way. He was the boss of a bunch of greasy mechanics with nicknames like "Skully". His management style was to teach and inspire no matter what the job was. I remember him teaching me how important it was to make sure when I swept the floor to get all the grease off, every time, or it would get worse each day. He related that to repentance. He was organized. His shop had a container that was marked for every screw. My shop looks just like his now. Now that is inspiring. One time he took me up to the attic at the dielsel shop where things hadn't been touched in years and I remember his words like it was yesterday: "just put thinks in like piles". My kids have never asked why I say that when they are cleaning a room. I know the biggest influence he had on me was through the things that he taught my Dad. Everyone knows Bishop Wright and thinks he must have been a member of the LDS church his whole life. It was because of Les Gilbert and everyone else in Olympia that inspired my Dad to join the Church when I was 7. Thank you President Gilbert. I'm "the one soul" that you have saved in your life. Please keep a job open for me in heaven.

The Staff Alta Ridge in Holladay

March 4, 2011

Les was a dear man and good friend. He will be in our thoughts and hearts forever. Our condolences to Merilee and Ken and other members of his family. His passing has left a dent in the fabric of this facility.

McCune Castleton

March 2, 2011

Pres. Gilbert was a great yet humble man. When I returned from my LDS mission overseas, it was he who I reported to and he who asked me to speak in some of our stakes' wards. He was a good friend to all the stake's youth as our Stake President. He even took a personal interest in my best friend's (Jason Rogers who has gone on before) mechanical projects. Please accept our family's sincerest condolences, from the Robert (Bob) and Elaine Castleton family.

Gordon Smith (Brashler)

March 2, 2011

Les was a man among men. I had a long association with him through many years of Church service and service to his fellow man. He was a friend to all, a humble man who followed the Lord's admonition to serve and love your fellow man. His sense of humor was uncanny and though he humbly served in many high and responsible positions in the Church he always said he was "just a mechanic." I will miss him and send my condolences to his family. The world could use more men like Les Gilbert.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results