Gaylord Roland Gilbert of Helena passed away on October 26, 2017 from a long battle of Parkinson’s Disease at the St. Peters Hospital.
Gaylord Roland Gilbert was born, on March 29, 1933 in Chinook, Montana to Millard G. and Emma B. (Talmon) Gilbert. Gaylord was the “Caboose” of 14 children. He was raised mostly in the Chinook and Harlem areas. Gaylord was in the Army as an Artillery gunner, on Okinawa and in Korea.
Gaylord met, Lola Lee Powell at a rodeo and dance in Worick, Montana. Gaylord was smitten with Lola and fell deeply in love with that sweet young gal. Gaylord and Lola were married on November 19, 1954. They danced together for almost 63 years!
Gaylord, worked for the State Highway in Havre. He then worked for various Contractors throughout Montana, Idaho and Wyoming as a surveyor. They farmed and ranched on the Fairfield Bench until they retired. Once they retired they joined the RV Snowbirds that traveled south.
Gaylord accepted the Lord, as his personal Savior in July of 1983. He loved and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. He displayed the attributes of Christ and was the salt of the earth, solid in every way in Christ’s teachings. He was a long time member of the Simms Community Church.
We will miss his sense of humor, practical jokes and laughter. Thank you Papa for your wisdom and for your love you have shown to each of us. You have touched our lives for the greater good.
Gaylord was preceded in death by his parents and 10 of his siblings.
Survivors are his wife Lola, his daughters, Gloria of Helena, MT, Terria (Lyle) of Choteau, MT and Gayla (Wade) of Tonapah, AZ, 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Sisters, Lilly Kretchmer of Havre, MT, Iris Hay of Hood River, OR, brother Kenneth Gilbert (Betty) of Chester, MT, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family would like to thank the VA Hospital, Rocky Mountain Care Center and St. Peters Hospital for their special love and attention they gave Gaylord and his family.
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.
A funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 6th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. Burial will take place at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison following the service. The luncheon will be held at the East Helena VFW Post 10010, 117 West Main Street, East Helena. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gaylord.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 6, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday November 6, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Raod
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday November 6, 2017
East Helena VFW Post 10010
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 6, 2017
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday November 6, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Raod
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday November 6, 2017
East Helena VFW Post 10010
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Nancy L Williams says
Sending my love and prayers to Aunt Lolo and her darling daughters … more like sisters to me. The world is a better place because of Papa Pete and he’s in a better place because of Jesus. Lean on the Lord for peace and comfort during this time of loss. Trust in Him for your future and join your Dad in Heaven when the Lord calls you home. You are all LOVED in a very big way! Hugs and Kisses, Nancy and Dennis
Peggy Werk says
So sorry Lola and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your happy memories help you in your grief. Peggy Werk
Louella Fredricksen says
So sorry Lola and family. Heaven gained a lovely soul.
Raymond Hitchcock says
Lola deepest regrets for your loss. Gaylord was one of the best men I have ever met.
carson ans Evon Corrigan says
Gaylord was a special person and will be missed by all.Your family is in our prayers
Sherrill Roath Busche says
I am sorry for your loss .Gaylord was a fine man ..He will be missed by many ..Know that your in my heart and prayers..Love ,Sherrill
brenda montgomery says
Love all my memories of Gaylord and Lola. The love and affection was such a positive thing in my life. 2 beautiful people with 3 beautiful girls. Such a blessed life. I’m sorry to all of you for your loss, Gaylord was a wonderful man.
Tanya Hartman says
I have the great fortune of visiting Gaylord every month for the last year or so at Rocky Mountain Care Center. I come to visit the Veterans, bring them homemade treats, enjoy their company and let them know they are thanked for their service and loved. Gaylord and I made a special bond and just the week before he passed, he enjoyed homemade pumpkin bars, Halloween treats and lots of smiles. After a big bite of pumpkin bar he looks at me smiled and said “ we are doing fine, aren’t we!” Oh that big beautiful smile! My monthly visits and my heart will definitely have a hole with out him.
Shirley Schmock says
Terria, so sorry for your loss, I know he was. Wet special because you always talked about both your parents. You are who you are because of them and that’s something God blessed you so richly with. He is with Jesus now and someday you will all be together. love to all the family. Shirley Schmock
Tina Freeman says
What a wonderful man of God. We have great memories of Gaylord. Thinking of you all with love and friendship.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Lola and girls, I am sorry that you have lost your husband and father. I only got to meet him once at Stockman Bank but I could see what a gracious and gentle man that he was. (And quite handsome too!) It was my privilege to be your banker Lola. Everytime I saw you, you were like “Sunshine” and always so gracious. Remember to keep living, if God had wanted you to die first, you would have. So keep living my friend! Hope to see you in the future
Raym and Lorna Lindseth says
Terria, we know that you have wonderful memories to sustain you in your loss, but more than that you have that rock solid hope of knowing you will be making more memories with your Dad and Jesus throughout eternity — WHAT A BLESSING!!! You have our prayers and love,
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Gilbert family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.