Michael C. GILBERT

07/14/1941 - 04/14/2015

GILBERT, Michael C. (Age 73) Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed peacefully to be with our heavenly Father due to heart failure on April 14, 2015 in Williams, Arizona. He was born in Spokane, Washington on July 14, 1941. He was the son of Katherine Van Dissel and Frank Gilbert. He was raised in Deer Park, Washington and was a very mischievous and adventurous child. His mother often said, "it took the whole town to raise him". Later he returned to Spokane Valley where he graduated from West Valley High School in 1960. While in high school he enjoyed choraliers. After graduation he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam in the 1st Cavalry as a helicopter mechanic. He attended Columbia Basin College, studying to be a diesel mechanic. At Columbia Basin College, he met the love of his life, Nancy and they were married in 1970. In 1970 they also had their first and only son Craig, and in 1972 their daughter Mary Ann was born. Following college he was employed at Cummins Northwest Diesel for 23 years. After retiring from Cummins he enjoyed driving school bus at Central Valley School District for 17 years. In 2010 he retired full time and he and Nancy became snowbirds; enjoying their winters in Southern California. Mike enjoyed cribbage, pinochle, Texas hold em, and playing in pool tournaments. Mike also enjoyed stockcar racing. Mike was preceded in death by both his mother and father. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy. Son, Craig (Tara) Brittani, Chase and Spencer. Daughter, Mary Ann Everhart (Chad) Taylor and Kristin. Daughter, Christine Ford, Heather and Tyler. Sister, Gretchen Welther who resides in San Clemente, California. As well as five great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Mikes Life will be held at 2p.m. on Saturday May 2nd, 2015, at Valley Real Life, 1831 S. Barker Rd. Greenacres, Washington. 99016. Please leave any condolences and memories of Mike at: www.legacy.com for the family.