In Memory

William Gilbert

William Gilbert

 

William "Bill" Louis Gilbert

July 21, 1945 - February 6, 2022

It is with deep sorrow the family of William "Bill" Louis Gilbert shares the news of his sudden passing on February 6, 2022 at the age of 76 (Las Cruces, NM). Bill was born July 21, 1945 in Omaha, Nebraska to Louis and Geraldine Walters Gilbert. He graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School, received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska, attended Humboldt State University, and received his Ph.D. in plants and range sciences from the University of Nebraska. He was employed as a biologist by the U.S. Dept. of Interior Bureau of Land Management from 1976-2006. He worked in offices in Price, UT and Susanville, CA and Las Cruces, NM.

Bill was an advocate for others, a kind and altruistic man who cared deeply about his family and friends. His humble nature was reflected in the behind-the-scenes manner he helped others. He felt a great affinity to nature, plants, and animals as demonstrated by his generosity to environmental charities and his loyal care of backyard wildlife including song birds and his tribe of desert box turtles. His interests included hiking, philosophy, research, animal welfare, and following the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team.

Bill is survived by his wife Jeanne Harris Gilbert, a marriage of 46 years, and their furkids Stella and Baby, brother Dr. Richard Gilbert, nephew Ryan Gilbert, niece Kaitlyn Gilbert Keough and family, sister-in-law Jane Harris, brother-in-law James Goudy, niece Thea Goudy Day, sister-in-law Evelyn Rosenbach Gilbert, aunt Lucille Walters Wolf and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Joel Gilbert, father Dr. Louis W. Gilbert, and mother Geraldine Walters Gilbert.

In preserving Bill's memory, we recall the words of Indian poet and essayist Rabindranath Tagore "He who wants to do good knocks at the gate; he who loves finds the gate open."

A celebration of life will be held at a later time. Family and friends who wish to make a memorial contribution may send it to Broken Promises (www.bestfriends.org) or the Southwest Environmental Center (www.wildlifeforall.us) or the Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org). To make online condolences, please go to Getz Funeral Home at www.GetzCares.com.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star on Feb. 20, 2022.
 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/journalstar/name/william-gilbert-obituary?id=33140517







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