Gilbert H. Hyde

HYDE, Gilbert Harrison, May 6, 1937 – April 24. 2011, Gilbert, who was born on May 6, 1937 on the Bay Islands of Honduras but lived his life in Tampa, died on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, peacefully in the company of his loving partner, Joyce Addison. Gilbert’s life-long love of politics led him to work on many campaigns and to a number of positions for the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County and the State of Florida. He was also a real-estate broker. Gilbert’s keen intelligence, passion for democracy and his strong sense of fairness made him a firm believer in American ideals. He was born to Katherine Elwin Hyde and Ray Hyde, a merchant seaman. He has an older sister, Myrna, still living and a brother, Calvin, who is deceased. Gilbert moved to Tampa at the age of 9. He was reared by his mother and step-father, Samuel Cupps, and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1957. After a short stint in the National Guard, he worked for the City of Tampa, ultimately rising to the position of Assistant Director for Purchasing for the Hillsborough County Department of Insurance and Risk Management. He is survived by his loving family, Joyce Addison; Thomas, Sally, and William O’Brien; Michael, Jody, Courtney and Michael O’Brien, Jr.; William and Loraine Leithiser; John and Nicole Rader; Earle Hayes and his sister, Myrna Elwin Hyde. He is also survived by five nieces and two nephews; Jesse D. LoRe Jr. , Sam and Kathy LoRe, Linda Kanaby; Ruth Fryer; Cindy and Becky Hyde; Gilbert lived his life with integrity and a passion for the values that he held dear. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held at The Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 East Lake Ave. Tampa, FL 33610, Saturday, April 30, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to The S.P.C.A. of Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave North, Largo, FL 33773.