Richard Stephen Gilbert

GILBERT, Richard Stephen Prominent Santa Rosa orthopedic surgeon, Richard Stephen Gilbert, born in 1924 in Binghamton, NY, died in Santa Rosa, February 10, 2005 at the age of 80. He served in World War II in the medical corps as a corporal. Upon leaving the service, he attended Pasadena Junior College and University of Southern California in pre-med studies. He continued on at the University of Rochester Medical School, where he was a member of the last veterans preference class after World War II. His residencies were at USC in Los Angeles and University of Oregon in Portland. Moving to Santa Rosa in 1958 with his wife and two children, Dr. Gilbert opened his practice in the old Leighton Ray building on B St. Alongside of his private practice he went on to teach orthopedic surgery at the residency program at UC Community Hospital in Santa Rosa, where he taught for 30 years. He was well loved by his patients and admired by the community in general for his strong commitment to patient advocacy. He is survived by his wife Louisa Kent, his sons Russell and Paul, his daughter Kirsten Joy Gilbert, and grandchildren, Mara, Joseph, Matthew, Andrew and Philip. Services were private for family only. Friends and old patients are invited to a friendly get-together to talk about this vivacious and upstanding man who lived in our community for over 40 years, Wednesday, February 23, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Vesalius Room in Sutter Hospital, 2nd floor (the old section). No refreshments, just bring your stories and anecdotes. Memorial contributions can be made to Doctors without Borders, 333 Seventh Ave., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or KRCB, 5850 Labath Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928.