William Samuel Gilbert

Big Guy. I miss you, and think about you every day. Although we were miles away, I always knew you were there. The hours we would spend on the phone, always something interesting, something new, some way to hang out together and span the distance. I'm sorry I didn't make it there in the end. I didn't want to believe how sick you were. I miss you my friend and always will. My world is emptier without you in it. If there is such a thing as meeting again in the strangeness of the universe, I...

Bill Gilbert was the first person I met when I started going to RISD in the fall of 1982.

I remember being surprised with how genuinely friendly he was to me - a yokel local from RI. "Hi - I'm Bill" hand extended - first impression of my college experience tied to his offered friendship.

He dressed like a biker - leather, mustache, skull rings - but was truly a gentleman in the best sense.

For me - the world is a lesser place without Bill in it - and I am heartbroken as...

My sincerest condolonces to Maryanne, Tyler, Sophie, Max, Ruth, Martin and Daniel.
Bill had the biggest smile, and the biggest heart, of anyone that I have ever known. He was truly loved, and will be missed by all.

I have written a few words about Bill on my blog. Everyone is welcome to read them at the following link.
http://frankgardner.blogspot.com/2008/02/bill-gilbert-1964-2008.html

Bill - I will miss you forever.

What a treasure! Bill was grounded, decent and humble! v He was a very talented artist. He was loved by many and will be very much missed. He opened his heart and home to friends..........what a treasure!

Bill was a warm and wonderful man who will be missed by all that knew him. He had a quality of contagious enthusiasm that affected many. Bill taught the very first jewelry class I ever took, which led to me getting my masters also at Tyler. He has encouraged many in ways he will never know. He will be missed.