Obituary published on Legacy.com by Mission Mortuary - Monterey from Jan. 7 to Jan. 21, 2026.
Gilbert T. Ow
May 1st, 1950 – December 31st, 2025
Gilbert T. Ow, a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away on December 31, 2025. He was born on May 1, 1950, to Shing C. Ow and Mona (Moon) Ow in
Watsonville, California. He grew up in Salinas, California. He married his wife, Edwina, in 1973, and moved with her to
Claremont, California in 1984 where he resided until his passing.
Gilbert graduated from Salinas High School in 1968 and Hartnell College in 1970. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1973 and then a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the USC School of Pharmacy in 1977.
In terms of his career, Gilbert started as a pharmacy intern at Berry and Sweeny Pharmacy in 1974 while still at USC. After graduation, he stayed on to continue working as a staff pharmacist and then as the co-owner of the pharmacy until his retirement in 2015. He made an impact on the Pasadena community by working with numerous local health clinics, doctor's offices, and assisted living facilities. A physician he worked with recognized Gilbert as one of the best pharmacists he had worked with, stating that he was very kind and committed to patient care. He was honored by Pasadena Young and Healthy in 2009 for his contributions to helping
underprivileged children get access to medications. Additionally, he was a great teacher and mentor to numerous pharmacists, pharmacy students, and technicians.
Gilbert was an avid fan of many sports, such as baseball, football, and basketball, and many favorite sports teams, such as the USC Trojans and San Francisco 49ers. He was known to watch and rewatch their old games and often spent time with his sons at the batting cages or practicing in the backyard. He also enjoyed traveling on annual Ow family vacations or to Las Vegas where he enjoyed trying new restaurants or playing the slots. He loved to talk about cars as well as stocks and investing, and he cared immensely for his yard, often seen trimming the bonsais and palms.
Above all, however, Gilbert's most important priority was always his family. He was able to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with Edwina surrounded by family and friends in Monterey in 2023. Few things meant more to Gilbert than his family, a devotion he summed up at their anniversary party when he said, "Family is everything."
Gilbert is survived by his wife of 52 years, Edwina Ow, daughter, Leslie Miller (Chris Miller), granddaughter Peyton Miller, sons, Garrett Ow and Tyler Ow, brother David Ow (Alicia Ow), sisters Shirley Ow and Nellie Herman (David Herman) and several nieces and nephews.
The viewing will be held at Mission Mortuary in Monterey at 11:00 AM. Funeral Service will begin at 12: 00 PM respectively on Friday, January 23rd, 2026. Immediately following will be the internment San Carlos Cemetery.