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David Alexander Gilbert
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David Gilbert Obituary
David was well known in Fairbanks as the city's watchmaker who had his business, Northward Watch Repair, for 40 years. His shop was a local "watering hole," and he enjoyed interacting with the community.
David was able to travel the world and visited six of the seven continents. He loved to travel and to experience the local cultures.
David was preceded in death by his mother, his brother and his sisters. He is survived by his wife, Margaret McClane; his children, Hana Brown and spouse William Brown, Aviv Snowberry and spouse Robin Snowberry, and Mark Gilbert; his sister, Mary Heim; and brother, Tim Gilbert.
His memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 at Blanchard Family Funeral Home, 611 Noble St.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Gilbert
Sponsored by Blanchard Family Funeral Home - Fairbanks.
6 Entries
Randi Helton-Kile
Earlier today
David was my go to watch and clock expert in Fairbanks for many years. I owned an antique store, Innkeeper's Antiques, once located along aside David's shop in Larson's Jewelry Shop building. David was an expert in his field. I had many wonderful conversations with David and I always walked away feeling better about life in general. It was so special being around someone who genuinely loved his chosen profession. He often shared his love for his family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sarah Karr
September 20, 2025
I met David when I tended bar at the Northward Lounge starting back in 1981 when his watch shop was just across the hall from where I worked. I would bring my husbands nugget watches for him to repair & I even had him put new guts to a beautiful metal & wood BLM SMOKEJUMPER WALL CLOCK. He really did a good job with such PRIDE. Then I even followed him when he moved across the street over at Larsons Jewelers. My Sincere Condolences to Margaret & his Family. RIP
Leonard
September 20, 2025
This is Leonard Wolcott. Me and my cousin Bruce framed houses for Dave and Eric Heim in the Eay 80s. Dave was a pleasure to work with. We became friends. Would see him out and about over the years and he always had that smile and we both loved humor. He will be missed by all.
Tim Staton
September 19, 2025
My condolences to Dave's family. He was the best. Not only as a watchmaker but just a generally good guy. I remember when he took over the shop for Heinz Bucahrt back in the day. I think I can say that community of Jewelers who relied on his expertise as a Horologist has been sorely missed since he got sick. He blew me away when he picked up the guitar, and his stories of gigging and Busking were some of the best. Rest in Peace bud.
Lori McNeil
September 19, 2025
Sorry to hear Margaret , he sounds like a incredible man, lots of hugs to you and family
Pascale DelJanovan
September 19, 2025
My sincere condolences. I met David a few times to work on a watch and clock and he was always kind and soft spoken. To enter his small shop was like stepping back in time. He will be missed.
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Blanchard Family Funeral Home - Fairbanks611 Noble Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
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