Raymond Andrew Gilbert

November 6, 2015

GILBERT, Raymond Andrew
1922 – 2015

Raymond Gilbert beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the age of 93 years in Calgary. Ray was one of the few remaining WWII veterans of the King’s Own Calgary Regiment and was a POW captured at Dieppe, France. Since 1980 Raymond spent many Thursdays giving tours at the Museum of the Regiments. Ray worked for Gulf Oil where he participated in many United Way shows. Raymond was a member of St. Matthew’s United Church and sang in the choir. Raymond was a chartered member celebrating his 59th anniversary singing with the Stampede City Chorus and Western Reunion. Raymond was born in Stettler, Alberta and was one of 6 brothers.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy and they recently celebrated their 67th Anniversary. They have three children, Cameron (Beverly), Deborah and Elaine; eight grandchildren, Jenny (Dave), David (Jasmine), Nichole, Adam (Keely), Kate (Sean), Andrew, Matthew (Allison), Sarah; and eleven great grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Matthew’s United Church, 2035 26A Street SW, Calgary, AB on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 1:00 pm with reception to follow. Interment will be held at the Stettler Cemetery in Stettler, AB on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to St. Matthew's United Church, 2035 – 26A Street SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 2B9 or your favorite charity.

Messages of Condolence

I have fond memories M. Gilbert speaking to students and spending time with staff at my school. My condolences to his friends and family. He gave his time and experience so generously and will be missed by many.

- Theresa Gerritsen

My dearest condolences to Dorothy and all the family. Another dear friend has passed and the world feels lonelier and quieter without Ray being here.

- Bruce Harsch

Ray will be sorely missed here at The Military Museums. His smiling face was a huge part of the morale of the entire facility, and he was a major part of the social fabric at the museum. His lusty refrain of "Happy Birthday to You" was a fixture of our birthday cake day. On a personal level, he was a sincere source of inspiration for me, being such a positive person in spite of his tribulations during the war. He was also an inspiration for how I want to be if I make it to his age - so active and full of life. Even very recently his hearty handshake, firm hand on my shoulder, and engaging conversation makes it hard to believe he's gone. Rest in Peace Ray - you brought much light into our lives.

- Rory M. Cory

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES MRS. GILBERT AND TO ALL THE FAMILY.. MR. GILBERT WAS LIKE A GRANDPA WE HAD MANY LAUGHS OVER THE YEARS. I WILL TREASURE THOSE MEMORIES FOREVER!

- BECCI FEATHERSTONE

Ray was a bright shining light in our lives, his perpetual smile and wonderful spirit always made the day better. A soldier to the end, he will not be forgotten. The King's Own Calgary Regiment extends our sincere condolences to Dorothy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.

- LCol Ross Wickware

Dorothy,we were so sorry to hear of Rays passing and would have been at his funeral yesterday to tell you personally but saw the obituary too late. Our sincere condolences, we will miss seeing and talking with you both at the ATP shows. It was always fun to share views of the plays and we never tired of hearing Rays stories of his military experiences in the war. We have tremendous respect for how he survived and has shared with others. We know you and your family will miss him enormously. Take care of yourself.

- Barrie & Patricia Griffiths

Dorothy, sorry to hear of rays passing. Dorothy porter Elmer was POW with ray

- Dorothy

Dear Dorothy, I was so sorry to find out that Ray passed away in November. I want to send my sincere condolences to you and your whole family. I wish I had contacted you sooner. I met Ray when he came to see my play, Jake's Gift, at the Lunchbox Theatre. I wish so much I had kept in touch with you both. He did give me his contact # and I only found it again recently. When I tried to locate you online, I discovered he had passed away. I am very grateful to Ray and to you for all that your generation has given us. I feel very lucky that I got to meet Ray after the show that day in Calgary, and I'm so very sorry I never kept in touch. Much love to you, and I hope you are well and that your heart is healing as best as it can. Julia Mackey • Jake's Gift • jakesgift@gmail.com

- Julia Mackey

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