Gilbert Gutierrez

Gilbert Gutierrez, 74, was born September 12, 1938, in Yuma, he passed on Monday, November 12, 2012, at his home. He was a restaurant owner/operator and veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Gilbert is survived by his sons, Robert "Bobby" (Amber) Gutierrez, Erik Gutierrez and Adam Gutierrez; daughter, Elizabeth (Kevin) Hunt; his twin brother, Johnny Gutierrez; sisters, Anna Marie Cano, Hortens (Frank) Castro and Mary Lou Huff. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Gilbert joins his beloved wife, Hortens, parents, Bessie and Juan Gutierrez, sister, Mary Ellen and brother, Carlitos Gutierrez.

A wake for Gilbert, will be 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Johnson Mortuary Chapel, with rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 19, 2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in the Garden of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Yuma, Arizona. Pallbearers include, William Hunt, James Hunt, Kevin Hunt Jr, Robert Gutierrez, Jagger Gutierrez, Adam Michael Gutierrez and Jose Flores. Honorary Pallbearers will be Art Durazo, Louie Gonzales, Leo Gutierrez and Sonny Gutierrez.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Mortuary Desert Lawn Memorial Park.

In the song of life, Gilbert Gutierrez was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, Gilbert preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, Gilbert believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. Gilbert perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

Gilbert was born on September 12, 1938 at Yuma County General Hospital in Yuma, Arizona. His parents were Juan and Bessie Gutierrez. Gilbert was raised in Yuma, Arizona. As a young child, Gilbert was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. Gilbert rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Gilbert showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with six siblings. He had Carlitos who passed away as an infant, his twin brother Johnny, Anna Marie, Mary Lou, Mary Helen and Hortense. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

Early on in his school years, Gilbert showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Gilbert with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1957. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Those who didn’t know Gilbert well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Gilbert was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Gilbert’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up and later in life, his best friends were Art Durazo, Louie Gonzales, Leo Gutierrez and Sonny Gutierrez.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Gilbert had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On August 2, 2008, Gilbert exchanged wedding vows with his partner Hortense G. Garcia in Yuma, Arizona.

Gilbert was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Gilbert was blessed with four children, three sons, Robert, Erik and Adam and one daughter, Elizabeth. They were also blessed with eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His Grandchildren include, Amber Gutierrez, Robert T. Gutierrez, William Hunt, James Hunt, Kevin Hunt Jr., Jagger Gutierrez, Adam Michael Gutierrez, Eli Gutierrez, Mariah Merino, Mia Gutierrez and Malena Merino.

Gilbert found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was a restaurant owner. He was self employed for Mr. G's, Casa Gutierrez and The Chile Pepper. Gilbert tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

Gilbert was a United States Navy veteran. Gilbert’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Gilbert enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were traveling and working in his yard. Gilbert was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Gilbert liked sports. Gilbert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, football and basketball.

Throughout his later years, Gilbert was an active member of the American Legion and the Eagles. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Gilbert’s faith was important to him. He was a member Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He was an altar boy in his youth for the Catholic Church. Gilbert's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

Because he loved the world around him, Gilbert enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Gilbert put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included Alaska and Hawaii.

Gilbert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Gilbert’s favorites was Sophie, a Yorkie. They were best friends for 8 years. His family was rounded out by his turtles and birds.

In retirement, he found new pleasure in travel and working in yard. Even in retirement, Gilbert continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

Gilbert passed away on November 12, 2012 in Yuma, Arizona. He is survived by his sons, Robert "Bobby" (Talley) Gutierrez, Erik Gutierrez and Adam Gutierrez; daughter, Elizabeth (Kevin) Hunt; brother, Johnny Gutierrez; sisters, Anna Marie Cano, Hortense (Frank) Castro and Mary Lou Huff. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Gilbert joins his beloved wife, Hortense, parents, Bessie and Juan Gutierrez, brother, Carlitos Gutierrez and sister, Mary Ellen Masse. Services were held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Yuma, Arizona. Gilbert was laid to rest in the Garden of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma, Arizona.

Gilbert was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Gilbert always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Gilbert was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Gilbert Gutierrez.