Gilbert Wilburn

Gilbert Raymond Wilburn Grandpa Great Toes

Gilbert Raymond Wilburn (Gib) returned to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at the age of 90. He was surrounded by family and friends and loved ones. He was born December 4, 1920, in a log cabin with dirt floors just outside of Rigby, ID; yet, during his long life he lived through a world of dramatic change. Gilbert is the son of Benjamin Franklin Wilburn and Estelle Leone Kelly. He is now reunited with his sweetheart of 56 years Bernice Hermansen Wilburn. They eloped and married on December 28, 1941. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. World War II made a lasting imprint on Gilbert and Bernice as they, along with millions of others, put their lives on hold and literally moved to serve their country. Service in the US Army Air Corps cemented deep and dear friendships that spanned decades and fundamentally shaped Gilberts career as he transitioned from repairing aircraft to specializing in heavy-duty trucks and cars. There wasnt anything Gilbert couldnt fix or improve upon. His life-long association with the military has become even more memorable in recent days as Gilbert has been lovingly and expertly cared for at the Salt Lake City VA Hospital. We express our utmost thanks to the many fine people who took care of Gilbert when he needed it the most. Gilbert and Bernice opened their arms and home to their three children; Gilbert R. Wilburn Jr. (Lynne), Robert Lee Wilburn, and Wendy Lee Wilburn. Four children preceded both Gilbert and Bernice in death, Carolyn, Patricia, Annette and Dennis. Also, Gilberts parents, his brother Benjamin F. Wilburn, sister Dorothy Merkey, and grandchildren Patrick Lee Wilburn and Emily Lynne Wilburn preceded him in death. His brother, John Owens, survives him. He will be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren Lise (Jim), Matt (Pam), Chad (Erin), Katherine and Nick, and his eight great-grandchildren Emily, Nate, Isabella, Tillie, Ryan, Josh, Ellie and Abby. Gilbert was a meticulous record keeper who was always passionate about the finer details of everything and he was extremely conscientious—very little got by him. He applied the principle of doing it right the first time to everything he did. Gilbert and Bernice, along with Bountiful builder and brother Grant Hermansen built the home they lived in for 58 years. Gilbert and Bernice always unthinkingly gave and sacrificed whatever was needed, whether time, energy or resources, in the hopes their children would have the safety, stability, and opportunities that eluded them during the Great Depression and challenges of WW II. Friends and family will remember Gilbert in his many roles as a tireless worker, concerned Dad, proud Grandpa, and passionate patriot. He served in his LDS Ward for many years as Elders Quorum President and Executive Secretary. We will reflect and miss his often-unexpected phone calls, a video camera raised high in the air capturing sweet memories to be enjoyed over and over again, and his generosity and willingness to do almost anything or fix everything for someone else. As a Grandpa he had an amazing capability to sit in the middle of chaos, take it all in, and smile knowing his time with us was cherished. Now, when he can no longer get the last word in, we want him to know that we—Love you more. A viewing will be held Sunday evening, June 5, 2011 from 6-8:00pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will also be held Monday morning, June 6, 2011 from 10:45-11:45am, with funeral services to follow at Noon. The Monday morning viewing and service will be held at the Bountiful 11th Ward at 115 East Wicker Lane (2200 South) Bountiful, Utah. (The building is at the corner of 2200 South and Orchard Drive.) Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com.