Obituary of Thomas William Gilbert

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas William Gilbert announces his death at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on December 22, 2016 at the age of 90 years.  He was born in Burton, New Brunswick on June 15, 1926 son of the late George and Ethel (Carter) Gilbert.

He studied at St. Francis Xavier University and UNB, which provided stepping stones to his career in forestry, farming and politics.  Tom was known throughout the Oromocto as a gentleman.  He was sought after for his knowledge of nature and the land, including uncannily accurate weather predictions.  He drew together family, friends and neighbours, and loved to engage in political debate.  He was generous and compassionate.  He had a dry wit, was an avid card player and an able dancer.  He was a devout member of his church and a great community organizer. 

He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors and was a long time supporter of  Ducks Unlimited.

He helped organize church fund raising for the construction of the church hall and church renovations.   He was instrumental in the establishment of the Burton School and the Burton Lions Club. He enjoyed strong relationships across the community -- including neighbours, the Oromocto First Nation, and served a term in the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly in 1987.

Throughout his life he was a steadfast supporter of the military community, including the establishment of Base Gagetown, and he was recognized as an Honorary Member of the 403 Helicopter Squadron.

He served as a forestry surveyor for the Great Northern Company and eventually became an independent forester, farmer and apple grower.  He was one of the first qualified foresters in Canada to conduct forestry work from aerial surveys.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, his siblings Francis, Charles (Esther), Laura (Hilary) McDonough, Most Reverend Bishop Arthur, Joseph (Margaret), Ethel (Edward) Shea and Mary.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Beatrice "Betty" (McCaffrey), sister Lucy (John) O'Brien of Billings, Montana, by children Catherine (Ken) Bettle, George (Debbie) Gilbert, Tim (Gisele) Gilbert, Greg (Linda) Gilbert, Malcolm (Melisa) Gilbert, Eleanor (Ted) Lindsay, Gerard (Sharon) Gilbert, Tony (Monica) Gilbert, Mary (Elio) Cozzarini, Patricia (Harold) Russell, Charles (Marcella) Gilbert, Anne (Blaine) Gilbert, Susan (Neil) Bouwer, and by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Resting at the Oromocto Funeral Home, 108 Winnebago St., in Oromocto.  Visitation December 27 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.; December 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 21 Loisville St., Oromocto Thursday December 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Many thanks to Dr. Digby and the nursing staff at 4NW at the Chalmers Hospital.

Donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Church Building Fund or to the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your Choice.