Obituary for Kenneth Harvey Gilbert

Ken was born to Harvey and Ethel Gilbert on May 20, 1948, in Herbert, Sask. He was the little brother to his three older sisters, that in later years he affectionately referred to as the “Snoop Sisters.” We grew up as a close family and remained that way to the end.

While growing up, Ken lived in several cities and small towns as his parents pursued their newspaper careers. The family finally settled in Pincher Creek, Alta., where our dad took a position with the Pincher Creek Echo.

As a boy, Ken belonged to Cubs, played Little League baseball and was an excellent swimmer. He learned to play guitar at an early age and it became his passion. He played in several bands and was known for his amazing talent as a guitarist and vocalist, and could play and sing in almost all genres from classical to rock and roll. He contributed to teaching guitar to his son, nephews, nieces and friends. Many went on to be highly accomplished in their own right.

Ken was an avid reader and strong debater on a myriad of subjects. With his zany sense of humour, he often convinced his challengers that the wrong answer was actually the right one. His whimsical grin often gave him away. He was also nearly unbeatable at trivia.

Ken attended MHHS and later apprenticed at Pincher Creek Farm Equipment as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic, and was enrolled in SAIT for the theory. He graduated with high proficiency as an internationally licensed heavy-duty mechanic.

Ken was the proud owner of a classic Indian motorcycle and spent many happy hours on the open road camping and composing song lyrics. It was also his mode of conveyance to his favourite fishing holes. Following his retirement, Ken developed an interest in repairing and restoring musical instruments and redoing old family reel-to-reel tapes on an old tape recorder.

In November 2020, Ken moved back to Pincher Creek into Crestview Lodge and reacquainted with many old and dear friends and made numerous new and valued ones, with both staff and residents.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Ethel (McEwan) Gilbert; sister Loreen Estella (Gilbert) Davis; nephews Billy Joe Davis and Ronald Brian Davis; and his brother-in-law and best friend, Bill Davis.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda (Dickau) Gilbert of Calgary; daughters Carmen (Cori) Petersen of Lethbridge, Jaynie Gilbert of Calgary and son Kenneth (Buddy) Gilbert of Lethbridge; grandchildren Colton, Chase, Cody and Chaylea Petersen of Lethbridge; sisters Eleanor Davis and Evelyn (Binkie) (Bill) Gilbert-Gladstone, Pincher Creek; beloved nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, and great-great nephews and nieces; special friends Frances Bruder and family and Joni LeClaire and family.

A special thank you to Dr. Quon, Calgary, Dr. Van Bussel, staff at Crestview Lodge, Vista Village, Pincher Creek Health Centre, and Jamie and his staff at Snodgrass Funeral Home. You all made Ken’s and his family’s life easier with your kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Pincher Creek Legion.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be announced in the new year.