Christopher Gilbert

Christopher T. Gilbert, Kip, 57, of Grand Junction, CO, died early Wednesday at his mother’s Denver residence after a valiant battle with cancer. Kip was a spirited character whose life reflected his many passions. His most remarkable gift was one of friendship, and those who received it were blessed with an enduring love. His love was laced with wondrous humor, irreverence, and a gentleness that made each bond solid. His enthusiasm for sports held few bounds as he engaged in activities from racing motorcross to skydiving. Everything he pursued was with a sense of passion, knowledge, discovery, and wonder. Kip was a cherished husband of Joan Zabriskie Gilbert and dedicated father to his son, Nathan and his daughters: Grace, 10, and Caroline, 8. Kip had a very successful career in the radio and records industry. He began as a drummer in the band The Rainy Daze, which played on tour with the Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Lovin’ Spoonful, and made several appearances on national television shows. He continued to nurture this passion with his later career. He started as a radio sales representative for KIMN/KYGO in Denver in the 70s. After a brief sabbatical in the record promotion business with Capitol Records, he returned to radio sales in the 80's and climbed the ranks to become General Manager of KBPI, another prominent Denver radio station. He later moved to Bozeman, Montana and married Joan, who was also his partner in business. They purchased and created radio stations, KMMS AM/FM- “The Moose.” After seven years culminating in true success, they sold the stations in 1998, staying on as managers for two years before moving to Grand Junction. Kip is survived by his family: his mother, Virginia P. Combs and step-father, Harry B. Combs; and his siblings: Victoria Gilbert, Timothy Gilbert, Tony Combs, Clara Moore, and Terry Combs. Services will be held Tuesday, December 17, at 10 a.m., in Denver at St. John’s Cathedral, 1313 Clarkson St. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution be made in Kip’s name to: The First Tee, World Golf Village, 425 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092.