Bobby LeRoy Gilbert

GILBERT -- Bobby LeRoy, 73, entered into this earthly life on November 26, 1933 and passed on to his Heavenly Home Tuesday, March 27, 2007. He was born in Shawnee, OK, but moved with his parents, Doris and Harold Gilbert to Tulsa, at a very early age. He attended Central High School, where he graduated in 1952, thereafter the University of Tulsa. His parents owned Tulsa Tiling Service, 2626 E. 15th St., where he started working in 1957, and assumed all management responsibilities when they retired in 1968. The business was sold in 1973. Shortly thereafter, Bobby purchased the local franchise of the professional minor league ice hockey team from the Toronto Maple Leaves. The Tulsa Ice Oilers were a member of the Central Hockey League, with teams in major cities throughout the U.S. He was named "Minor League General Manager of the Year", for 1975-76. He sold ownership in 1980. From 1978 to 1987, Bobby had a contract with the City of Tulsa to operate all concession facilities within the Maxwell Convention Center (Assembly Arena and Convention Hall) and the Performing Arts Center. The company was sold in 1987. At the time of his death, Bobby worked for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, where he was loved and respected by all, which included not only coworkers, but patients he grew to become very close with. In return, he always gave back the respect and love that he received to all, that was just the way Bobby's kind and gentle sweet heart was. He recently received his five-year pin, and was very proud to be associated with Cancer Treatment Center and all of these wonderful people on a daily basis. Bobby's family would like at this time to send a special "Thanks" to Dr. Jim Flynn and his wife, Jane for all their support and caring hearts. Bobby was preceded in death by: his sister, Mary Ann Wolfe; parents, Harold and Doris Gilbert; uncle, Vesper Ott. He is survived by: daughter, Robin Smith of Tulsa; son, Cary Gilbert of Houston, TX; granddaughter, Shannon McKenzie of Norman, OK; grandsons, Adam and Zachary Gilbert of Souix Falls, SD; aunt, Bonnie Ott of Tulsa; sister, Ginger Young of Panama City, FL; nieces, Paula Zimmer of Broken Arrow, OK, Pam Starr of Foyil; and mother of his children and best friend, Linda MetLitz. He leaves behind a wonderful host of friends he cared for deeply. Bobby's Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel. Entombment will be at Floral Haven Mausoleum. Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 663-2233, share memories at www.moorefuneral.com