Gilbert T. Collier

Was born to Delbert and Vaudeth Collier in 1931, in Mooreland, OK. Gilbert raised hogs as a young man and won many Grand Champion awards throughout the region. He was a member of FFA for several years. He met Verna Schwertfeger at Oklahoma State University and married her January of 1953. They eventually ended up with 5 children, 1 girl and 4 boys, but son Vernie Noel was taken shortly after birth. Daddy was a tough task master and expected his children and grandchildren to obey him but he was always fair and loving with his family. He also was full of fun and his tall tales were a great source of fun and sometimes frustration (when he finally revealed it was a tall tale) for all of us. Gilbert joined the army and served in the Korean conflict. After being discharged, Gilbert joined his wife and children in Albuquerque, NM and found a job as a loan officer. Gilbert was offered a position at a hospital in Odessa, TX, where he moved his family. Later, Gilbert moved his family back to Albuquerque, NM to begin his career at Presbyterian Hospital. Gilbert spent 14 years at Presbyterian Hospital as a Financial Counselor, Business Office Supervisor, and Business Office Manager. Gilbert moved to St. Joseph Hospital to become the Business Office Director for 7 years. In 1987 he went back to Presbyterian Hospital and retired from there in 1998. During his career, he was active in HFMA, the UB82 Committee and the New Mexico Central Credit Union where he served in a variety of positions, including President or Director. Gilbert was a highly respected individual in the hospital community even after his retirement. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Vaudeth; his son, Vernie; his brother, Gary; his his father-in-law Vernie; niece Deba; and sister-in-law Neola (Petie). Gilbert is survived by his wife Verna; daughter Cindy; sons, Joel and wife Maureen, Vance and wife Joann, Vince and wife Tina; his sister, Colette and husband Ralph; grandchildren, Crystal, John, Jeannette, Vanessa & husband Caleb, Nicole & husband Dominic, Ryan, Tom, Justin & Marissa; great-grandchildren, Deanna, Siarrah, Alexis, Nathan & Jason-Michael. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews along with his mother-in-law and sisters-in-law. Gilbert was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and fought a valiant, courageous battle until he became too tired to fight. He passed away from complications of Parkinson's on March 9, 2012, surrounded by his family. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at French-Lomas Chapel. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 10:00 am at French-Lomas Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gilbert's memory to Vista Care Hospice, Parkinson's research or a charity of your choice.