Such a wonderful way to live life was shown by Mr Gilbert and the whole family. I’ll really miss him. It just doesn’t seem that long ago that Mr Gilbert would be demonstrating some new computer programming skills or fixing a damaged plane wing. I must have stayed in the Scarborough and Pickering homes for the equivalent of months; I recall only feelings with the Gilberts of constantly interesting things afoot while always protected by a roof of security and love provided by Mr and Mrs Gilbert.

Like others in my family, I look back 22 years ago to a real highlight of our shared time together. Whether its filming the rainforest, leading the way out the church door after the wedding, or waltzing with his beloved, I see Mr Gilbert always with a look that I knew very well from my childhood up to seeing him with his grandkids; a look of joy-filled dignity that comes from satisfaction with life.

We were in a special place the day Mr Gilbert passed away and Steve let us know the news. A couple of days later we were able to touch a large meteorite - something of the Universe that is precious and rare - and make our best wishes and prayers. With all our love and respect – Mee Mee and Ken


RIP Bill
You were a true gentlemen  and a great friend.  My heartfelt condolences to your wife and family.

Wade
 

We remember such wonderful times with Bill over the years. He was another (grand)father-figure in our lives, often in Ottawa for holidays and special events. He was welcoming, jovial and so interesting to get to know. He always had great stories to tell about his travels with Hanne or the family, his exciting career at the Bank, and his many hobbies/interests.  We remember fondly our trip to Florida and Disney as a guest of Bill and Hanne at one of their timeshares. The excitement of all of our kids to get to experience that together with their best friends and family. Bill exuded a kind of generosity of spirit that is often is lacking in people today. Attentive to the person he was with or talking to. Truly engaged and lit up when in conversation. 

We understand the depth of the love that he showed to his family and know how fervently he will be missed. 

We send our love to the family and all those who have been touched by him. 

Hanna, Valerie, Steve and Kevin
I am deeply saddened about Bill.
He was a wonderful, loving caring man and I will miss him terribly. He was like a father to me growing up and I am so glad he was part of my life, part of my family.  He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. 

Hanne and family

Janet and I just recently learned of Bill's passing and we wanted to express our heartfelt sympathy.Bill was Manager,Ontario Processing Centres for RBC in 1974 when I was Day Shift Officer and in the course of time I reported directly to him from 1976-1980.He was highly intelligent, a man of utmost integrity,extremely well read in domestic and international affairs, and above all else a decent,engaging,curious leader that always strove  for excellence.His high expectation of those reporting to him was one of continuous improvement in processes and procedures before that phrase was really in vogue.Our staff complement numbered between 500 and 600 then and Bill,I am sure,knew where every person worked,their name,what they did and the precise detail of how they performed their duties.His work day was often one of managing by walking around to gain intricate insight of both the nuts and bolts of each task as well as the system impediments that made every job more difficult than it should have been.While our customers and branches benefited from automation in a major way,the Processing Centres were the "backroom" that made it all happen but in a very labour intensive fashion.

Bill led by example and I feel richer for the experience of having known him.He represented a truly outstanding example of leadership at its best.I am so appreciative of all that he taught me and both Janet and I are deeply saddened by his passing.

Wayne and Janet Sargeant


 

Bill had an enviable zest for life.  He added something special to any occasion.  Like a toast at a wonderful wedding in Costa Rica, in Spanish which he had to learn for just this one occasion.  An unforgettable example of the enthusiasm he brought to everything.

Early in life he met a wonderful partner.  Together, Bill and Hanne had a knack for raising wonderful children, and that talent appears to be carrying on down through the next generation.  It doesn’t get much better than that.


Bill was a phenomenally nice man, and one of the qualities we most appreciated in him was that when he asked you a question about yourself he wasn't just making conversation - he genuinely wanted to know. Even though we did not get to see him often, you'd never know from the warmth of his greeting. 

On a personal note (this is Jim, speaking just for myself), my favourite memory of Bill comes from the trip to Costa Rica for Steve and Irene's wedding.  The group was having dinner at our hotel, and the live singer was encouraging us to join him in the chorus of Volare. I can clearly picture Bill sitting at the head of the table and singing with gusto, even when the words eluded him! His joie de vivre was inspiring - may it always be so. 

Deepest sympathies to the whole family from Jim, Stephenie, Tyler, and Alyssa.

I am so sorry for your loss,  I spent many years at your home with Valerie enjoying the warm and love of the family and Mr. Gilbert was a big part of this, welcoming me as another daughter.  He was such a wonderful man, loving, kind, joyful who made everyone feel welcome.   Your home was like another family home to me.

Sending love to all of you,
Kim Grimes

Bill was great neighbour here on Broadgreen St, in Pickering. Always had a laugh with Bill, talking on the street. He had the "gift of the Gab". Of course it take two to Tango. I will always have good memories of him. Hanne, I am very sorry for your lose. Please take care.

To Hanne  and family
We extend our deepest sympathy in your loss.
Bill was a good friend,a good banker and a former respected colleague.
Our thoughts are with you.

Vince and Pam Kelly

To Hannah, Val, Steve and Kevin,

Bill was like a second father to us growing up.  I was so sad to hear about his passing, but grateful to have had him in my life.  He was a very special man and will be sorely missed.  Some memories:  his mixology cocktails (basically the dregs of all the liqueur bottles); he walked me down the first aisle!; many Christmases, with at least one practical joke present each year; his challenging me intellectually, which never stopped, and included when I saw him in January this year.....

But most of all it was his warm, good humoured presence,  that was writ large in our lives.  A big virtual hug to you all.  

Dear Hanne and family,
Our thoughts are with you all.
We will miss Billy’s (he has always been Billy to us) smiling face, sense of humour, knowledge of family history, interesting discussions on any and all subjects, his love of family, email updates of the accomplishments of his grandchildren and so much more.
He will always be in our hearts.
Love always,
Aunt Joyce, Kathy, Jennifer and Michael Sullivan and families



Dear Valerie & Chris and Family:   As I never personally met your Dad I have heard some great stories about him over the years. It is always  difficult to lose a parent. Embracing you with much strength in the coming weeks. My shoulder is your's to lean on. Hold all the wonderful memories close to your hearts. 

I only met the Gilberts a handful of times, but there was always laughter and Mr. Gilbert always seemed the perfect gentleman

Our deepest condolences to you Hanna and your family.
We are so very sorry for your loss.

OBITUARY

William Harold Gilbert

11 April, 1932 – 18 April, 2019

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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