Donald Eugene Gilbertson

Donald Eugene Gilbertson passed away in his home with his loving wife Celia by his side on Friday March 7, 2008, after a short but fearless battle with cancer.

It is an honor to share our father's story. Donald Eugene Gilbertson was born on June 2, 1930 in Santa Cruz, Ca. at the old county hospital. Donny's grandparents were originally from Pennsylvania. Making a living as a tanner his grandfather moved the family to Santa Cruz; there, as a tanner, he started the A.K. Salz Co. His father, Louie Xavier Gilbertson also originally from Pennsylvania, served our country during World War I as a soldier with the US Cavalry, later moving to Santa Cruz to work as a tanner in the family business. Louie met his wife, Theodosia Viola Shawver, originally from Idaho. Theodosia became a mother of two boys to include Donny's younger brother Bob; she managed their home and spent most of her time with the boys. With a background in millinery work, she was able to open a hat shop in Santa Cruz. Sadly, while the boys were still young, Theodosia passed away at the young age of 25. Times were tough; Louie was forced to leave the children with their grandparents and move on. Donny, at age 16, left home and was able to acquire a small fishing boat. Fishing quickly became a big part of Donny's life and a way to make a decent living but it didn't take long to realize fishing had an off-season. Donny found work in various lumber mills; he was hard working and had no problem making his way up the ladder. This arrangement suited him well as he could cod & tuna fish during the best season and work the mills in the off-season. Many opportunities came his way as people took notice of his determination and special knack for anything mechanical. Working the mills led him to running heavy equipment in the lumbering industry and in short order he acquired his first tractor. Even as a young boy he was able to persuade a few locals to give him various tractor works which allowed Donny to better his construction and contracting skills.

Most of our favorite stories are of his adventures at sea; many would have been bestsellers. He learned early that fishing gave him freedom and a great sense of peace. Fact is, till just a few of years ago, you could on occasion talk with some of the old timers at the harbor"¦ it wouldn't be long before someone would tell a story about a young boy they remembered named Donny; more times than not validating a story that seemed more like a tale at sea, the kind of things fictional stories are made of. Oh how we wish some of those old fishermen were still here today.

Donny went on to build two fishing boats, the Pacific Star and later the Bonanza. Over the years, Don had many career interests and worked with many very successful local companies such as Scarborough Lumber, Big Creek Lumber and Lone Star Quarries"¦ Once in a while he would say, "You know I was a part of that, maybe I should have stuck it out"¦ no"¦ I never wanted to be tied down anyway." It was likely followed up by acknowledging their success, which was something he admired. As an entrepreneur he did well at whatever he set his mind to and was a true mentor to his children and others around him. Don was a grading and paving contractor for over 50 years, originally as Gilbertson Land Development and in his later years as Coastal Land Development. In fact he made tractor repairs in preparation to complete a project he contracted at a winery in the Corralitos hills the night before his passing.

kySome of Don's many contributions to Santa Cruz County include: excavation of and assistance during the final stages of the amphitheatre, as well as years of grading the ball fields pre-baseball season at Vine Hill Elementary School in Scotts Valley, several years of excavation, much of the park building super structure and the BBQ pit needed to complete Siltanen Park, also in Scotts Valley. Don spent many years with the Scotts Valley Lions Club and Santa Cruz Elks. He was also asked to run as Mayor of Scotts Valley. One thing that really stands out is the year the Grey Bears in Santa Cruz were robbed of all the donated holiday turkeys"¦ in true Don form, he replaced them all, and much of his own family never even knew about this grand gesture.

Don was humble, unassuming and willing to give all he had but never realizing that he always did. He was proud of his contributions and never asked to be acknowledged. He also produced beautiful gardens, gazebos and decks on the family property; often times working closely with family members and we know he would have wanted us to acknowledge his right hand man, Emilio. Emilio was by Don's side during the last seven years of his life, often times dusting him off or standing him up when he stumbled, bless you, Emilio. Don and Celia created a masterpiece in true love, in family, in friendships and that oasis of a yard they created wasn't too darn bad either.

Don enjoyed many things like flying, boating, bowling, skiing, golfing, working, family gatherings, his many friends and traveling with his love, Celia.

Don truly embraced his family, especially his wife Celia of 21 years, who he so deeply loved. We know he was happy to spend time with his father Louie and sad to see him pass away. Don loved animals and had several pets over the years like the one he so often spoke about, and likely his favorite, a deer named Sweet Pea.

Don had a twinkle in his eye and a jump in his step. He always had an encouraging word and a smile to share with anyone he met. Don will be most remembered for his perseverance, unconditional love, encouragement, and support to his family and friends. Some of Dad's dearest friends include; Ross Fulk, Spats, Bob Ludlow, Lucky Mahoney, Henry and Tony Oliveira, Tim Powell, Jim Berge, Henry Hassman, Jerry Smith, Bud, Dennis, Al & D B two names we remember from the harbor, oh, and of course, Emilio. He was rich in friendships & to know him was a gift from above.

Don is survived by his wife, Celia Fiorovich of La Selva Beach, Ca., his brother, Bob Gilbertson and wife, Lori of Felton, Ca., Don's children: Marjory Gilbertson of Fairview, Ut., Donna Gilbertson and husband, Dave Mahoney of Upper Lake, Ca., Tom Gilbertson and wife, Patricia of Scotts Valley, Ca., Pamela Gilbertson of Scotts Valley, Ca., Deborah Gilbertson and husband Dave Seckman of Franklin, Tn., Lisa Weiss of Santa Cruz, Ca., Steve Gilbertson and fiance, Julie Hintze of Scotts Valley, Ca., Don Gilbertson Jr. and wife, Tammy of Marina, Ca., Dan Gilbertson of Tyrone, Ga., Rob Gilbertson and wife, Lisa of Prunedale, Ca., James Gilbertson and Windy Watson of Salinas, Ca., Kim Gilbertson of San Jose, Ca., Scott Gilbertson and wife, Rebecca of St. George, Ut., Tupelo Hassman of New York, Ny., as well as over 25 grandchildren & great-grandchildren, and Celia's three sons: Jon Fiorovich and wife, Marty of Rio del Mar, Ca., Jeff Fiorovich and wife, Lori of La Selva Beach, Ca., and Scott Fiorovich and girlfriend, Andrea Case of La Selva Beach, Ca. Don was preceded in death by both of his parents and one son, Richard Dennis Gilbertson, all of Santa Cruz, Ca.

Don's heart never left commercial fishing, that peaceful place deep within his soul, home to countless untold stories. Oh how we look forward to hearing your stories again. We will all see you soon"¦

A celebration of Don's life will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. Don's ashes will be scattered on the open sea, a place he felt most at peace. There will be a Garden Ceremony & Reception at Don and Celia's home in La Selva Beach at approx. 4:30-5:00PM or immediatel