Craig Eugene Gilbert

1961 - 2021

Caldwell - Craig Eugene Gilbert, 60, passed away October 15, 2021, at a local hospital in Nampa, ID from complications of Covid.

Craig was born January 23, 1961, in Caldwell. He was the youngest of three children, and the only son, born to Franklin and Carolyn Gilbert. At the age of two, Craig was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition he bravely battled throughout his life.

Craig spent his early years on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work and most of all, the love and importance of family. He was a member of Deer Flat Free Methodist Church.

After graduating from Vallivue High School in 1979, Craig followed his passion for farming and took up employment with various Treasure Valley farmers. Later, he enjoyed working at Ernest Hardware. What Craig enjoyed most was operating his firewood business alongside his father and brothers, until the progression of his diabetes left him legally blind.

In September 1989, Craig received a life-saving kidney transplant. Having had the kidney for 32 years, Craig's kidney transplant is the longest living organ from Oregon Health and Science University. This is remarkable since most kidney transplants are only viable for 10-20 years. Craig's family continues to be incredibly grateful to the donor and their family for giving Craig many more happy years. We would encourage everyone to become an organ donor.

The family suggest becoming an organ donor thru your local motor vehicle department or for Idaho online at https://www.yesidaho.org/register/

Anyone who knew Craig knew that he loved his furry companions. If he was going to have a nice meal out, his pups would also enjoy that meal. Craig never failed to bring his meaty leftovers home for his furry friends. Danny, his most recent companion, passed just one week before Craig. Imagining their heavenly reunion offers us comfort.

Contributions can also be made to the (Caldwell) West Valley Humane Society, 5801 Graye Lane, Caldwell, ID 83607 or online at https://westvalleyhumanesociety.org/

Craig was faced with health issues throughout his life, but he will always be remembered for his smile, his charm, and his quick-witted sense of humor. His nieces and nephews will best remember all the times he played Santa Claus at Christmas. He will be missed by all who knew him, but most of all by his loving family.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Keller and Dr. Michael Dee for their wonderful care throughout the years of Craig's life.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Gilbert, both maternal and paternal grandparents, a nephew Wayne Dean Franklin Gorringe and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, Franklin and Charlotte Gilbert, sister Carmen (Gale) Hayden, Sister Jolene (Joe) Rausch, sister Susan Ross, brother Tom Fitzgerald, sister Jennifer Hajro, brother Jim Gilbert and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be November 6, 2021, at 12:00 PM (noon) at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 15862 Indiana Avenue, Caldwell, ID. Our family requests for everyone's safety to please wear a mask.