February 10, 1953 – December 27, 2022

Garth Craig Gilbert of Kamloops passed away on December 27th, 2022 at 69 years of age. He is survived by his loving wife Colleen Rose Gilbert and children Kelly (Lily) and Erin Gilbert, his sister Darlene McIvor and the O’Toole family. Also left to carry on his memory are his seven grandchildren Liam, Beckett, Madelaine, Owen, Charlotte, Caleigh and Lucas. Garth was predeceased by his parents Daisy (2004) and Cyril Gilbert (1984).

Garth was born on February 10th, 1953 in New West Minister B.C. and adopted by Cyril and Daisy soon after. Garth was raised in Vernon BC with his sister. Garth’s childhood was spent at Mable and Kalamalka Lake with family and friends. In 1972 Garth left Vernon and headed to Lillooet to join the fire fighting efforts where he met his soon to be wife Colleen. Their travels took Garth and Colleen from Swan Hills, Alberta to New West Minister where Garth started his pre apprenticeship program at BCIT to become a millwright. Garth and Colleen married in Lillooet on December 10th, 1977 and moved to Ashcroft BC where Kelly was born and after a move to Kamloops, they had Erin in 1981. Garth was employed by Highland Valley Copper and remained there until 1999 when an opportunity in Alberta came up. Garth worked for various oil companies throughout the 2000’s ending his career as a Maintenance Superintendent with Imperial Oil.

When Garth wasn’t working, he spent his time coaching Kelly’s baseball and driving Erin to Hockey. He spent time on the boards of Kamloops Minor Baseball and the Kamloops Airshow. In the mid 90’s he decided to further his education and returned to university for several years completing his associates degree in Arts before the move to Alberta. Garth made friends everywhere he went, he had wit like no other and was quick to make a joke. He loved his animals especially his dogs, he would talk to them like they were human and spend hours with them. Garth was an artist and a musician, he could play the guitar and loved rock music.

Garth biggest joy in life was his family, he gained a family with the O’Toole’s when he married Colleen. Garth adored his children and did everything in his power to ensure they had a good life.  In turn when the seven grand kids came along, he was equally as proud, he had nicknames and special bonds with all of them. Garth and Colleen were married for 45 years and loved and supported each other throughout. Garth’s last few years were marred by ill health, but he always maintained a positive attitude and caring demeanor towards his family and friends. It is a great relief that he no longer has to struggle with these ailments.

Garth’s memory will live on through his family and we will forever miss our Dad and Grandpa G. May he rest in peace

Expressions of condolence may be delivered to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2022-12-27
• Location : Kamloops