August 28, 1953- March 27, 2013
Gilbert passed away peacefully, in his sleep after a brief battle with cancer. He will be forever remembered in the heart of his long time partner and husband, Barrie Chamberlin. He is survived by his mother, Gilberte Chabot (Cote); his three younger brothers, Denis (Pauline), Louis-Philippe (Greg) and Francois (Joanne) and their children. Gilbert also leaves behind his step-children, Kelli Cassidy (Mark), Mark Chamberlin (Chantal) and his much loved grandchildren, Josh, Madison and Brighton.
Gilbert will also be remembered by his many friends. Gilbert was a humble and gentle man who filled everyone’s lives who knew him with laughter, beauty and humour. An avid gardener, no one who had the privilege of knowing him will now not be able to pass by a garden centre and not think of Gilbert, who was forever finding a ‘new plant’ for his garden. Filled with youthful energy and a joy for life Gilbert was a husband, son, brother, step-father, grandfather and friend who will always be remembered for his solid strength and love.
Gilbert’s life will be celebrated with laughter and great stories at a service on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 2:30 pm at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Streets. Donations may be made in his name to the BC Cancer Society. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
24 Responses
Chère marraine et tante Gilberte, chers cousins Louis-Philippe, Denis et François,
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de Gilbert.
Vous avez vécu avec Gilbert une foule de moments doux, et cocasses que vous ferez revivre dans vos pensées. Ces souvenirs vous feront rire et parfois pleurer, mais ils vous aideront à traverser cette épreuve.
Nous nous souviendrons de Gilbert comme étant une personne joviale, optimiste et croquant dans la vie à pleine dents.
Malgré l’éloignement, nos pensées vous accompagnent dans ces moments difficiles. Sincères condoléances.
Bon voyage Gilbert.
Mimi et la famille Larouche
Dear Barry,
Your partner’s passing will open a memory box that will keep him forever present. We will remember Gilbert as a person who enjoyed life fully and appreciated every moment. Everything he was and did for you will be with you always.
The whole family is saddened by our cousin Gilbert’s all too hasty departure. Despite the miles that separate us, you will be in our thoughts during these difficult times.
Our sincere condolences to you Barrie and your family.
Mimi and the Larouche family
Among the many things I will miss about you, Gilbert, my dear friend, is your smile that greeted me warmly every time we said hello. You are an inspiration, showing courage and strength in these past days. You are loved and you will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Barrie – we love you and we will stand by you during these trying times. Our condolences to you and Gilbert’s loved ones.
Barrie, Our Sincerest Condolences to you and the Cote Family on the passing of Gilbert. Gilbert will be missed, in so many ways, his loving care of the garden, the Prime Timers & the Bridge group, his many trips with you, his love of his many friends & family, and especially you.
Hugs to you Barrie.
Gilbert, a la prochaine.
Norm & David
Barrie, Kelli, Mark and family:
Offering you all thoughts and prayers at this time of loss and sadness.
I will always remember how much Gilbert worked tirelessly around the grounds at O’Brien Lake and his love of all things that bloom and grow.
“God gives us those special in our lives so that we do not live the warmth of summer, the change of fall, the silence of winter and the hope of spring alone”
Anita and Joe Plunkett and Family
Gilbert was an honor to know. I am grateful to both him and Barry for their wonderful friendship and hospitality offered year in and year out. I know that there is many others that feel the same.
To Barry:
I offer my most sincere condolences for such a terrible loss. Please rely on me, and all the wonderful friends that you have helped, for support both now and in the painful days ahead.
” Memories of loved ones are like the light of faded stars whose influence lingers long after they are gone.” … David Horowitz
Hugs , Ted
Such a loss of a wonderful and vibrant man, full of compassion and caring . My hugs to you Barry and to Gilbert’s family. Gilbert’s strength and positive attitude will surely help many of us who are not always able to see the positive in life. You both cared and shared with so many people over the years.
Life is a journey and we need to do our best to enjoy it along the way – you both certainly demonstrated that so wonderfully.
Au revoir mon ami Gilbert à la prochaine
Hugs
Wayne Hollingshead
Sweet Gilbert – you’ll be sprucing up heaven’s gardens in no time! Barrie – our thoughts are with you. TJ & Craig
Sincere condolences to you Barry and family, our prayers and
deepest regrets for the very painful loss.
Barrie, my thoughts are with you in this painful moment. Please accept my sympathy and also the condolences from my family (Gilles Côté).
Tante Gilberte et chers cousins, veuillez accepter ces sincères condoléances, au nom de ma famille (feu Gilles Côté) et de moi-même.
Francine Côté