Thomas Gilbertson

Thomas (Tom) Arthur Gilbertson, 86, passed away October 17, 2024, at his home in Moraga, CA surrounded by his family.
Tom was born in November of 1937 in La Crosse, WI to Arnie and Martha Gilbertson. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1955 and from the University of Wisconsin in 1960 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His love of skiing led him to be stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado, where he carried out his military service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after completing Engineering Officers School. It was here that he met his wife of 63 years, Juanita Hock. They were married in the summer of 1961 and moved to New Orleans, where Tom worked for the Johnson Service Company. After one year, they were transferred to the San Francisco Bay area where they made their home for the next 62 years, raising their family in Moraga, CA.
Tom had a long career first with the Johnson Service Company, before moving to L & H Airco in 1968 and later forming Thomas A. Gilbertson and Associates in 1981. He never fully retired but continued to enjoy his work, serving as a heating and cooling engineer, project manager, and expert witness, as well as donating his time. He further served as the past president and longtime historian for ASHRAE.
Tom was an extremely kind, friendly, and generous person who genuinely wanted to know everyone and their story. He had an amazing memory and remembered details of every job and person he ever encountered. He had true concern for all and did many things, known and unknown, to help better the lives of countless individuals.
Tom was a devout Lutheran and devoted much of his life in service to the church and its principals. He loved to travel and was able to visit all 50 states and many countries throughout the world. He greatly enjoyed downhill skiing and spending time in nature, passions he developed in early childhood and continued for decades. He shared these experiences, along with much love, laughter, and card games, with his family and friends.
Tom will be missed by many, especially his wife Juanita, daughters Krista (Tim) Davidson, Laurel (David) Lee and five much loved grandchildren: Annika, Karin, and Erik Lee, Lea and Anders (Caroline) Davidson, and a favored niece Joanna (Peter) Phelps. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jeanne Willinger.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Orinda, CA.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Lamorinda Adult Respite Center (lamorindarespite.org), Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church (holyshepherd.org), Hospice East Bay (hospiceeastbay.org) or a charity of your choice.