Obituary of Ralph Gilbert

On April 16th, 2018 at 9:30pm we said good bye to a kind and gentle man. Ralph passed away quietly with Anne and his children, Steven, Keith and Alison by his side. "He is the kindest, most gentle soul I know". That is how Ralph Gilbert is described by all who not only knew him but also to those who only met him for the first time. Ralph was born in Toronto in 1926 but raised in Windsor, Ontario by a single parent, his father Sydney along with his sister Irene and brother Roy. He graduated high school and went on to study Civil Engineering and graduated with a degree from the University of Detroit in 1952. He worked as a civil engineer for the Canadian Bridge Company. Ralph met Anne and soon after they were married in 1957. Together they raised a family of three, moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1974 where he continued his career as a Civil Engineer for Manitoba Hydro. He retired to cottage life in 1992 where he enjoyed spending time by the lake, reading and enjoying nature in the company of his wife, children and grandchildren. In their retirement Ralph and Anne travelled to all the worlds continents except for Antarctica! During most winters they would close the cottage and travel around Arizona in a motor-home, often "boon-docking" (driving into the desert with no services or people around for miles) only returning to civilization when they needed supplies. As Ralphs health began to diminish in 2010, they moved back to Windsor to take advantage of the milder winters. It is safe to say that family and friends were the most important aspects of life for Ralph. Ralph is survived by his wife, Anne, brother Roy (Ruby), sons Steven and Keith, and daughter Alison (Brian); grandchildren Alex, Bailey (Ryan), Brooklyn (Jim), Bryce, Christopher, Maria, and Jessica; and great-granddaughter Jordan. Ralph is pre-deceased by his sister, Irene Caba (Joe), and granddaughter, Amy Gilbert. As per Ralph"s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of Ralph"s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Winnipeg Foundation Amy Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Award, the Salvation Army, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Special thanks to the staff of Windsor Regional Met Campus for their dedication and kindness. We would also like to thank Shane, Ryan and Lauren from Integrity Cremation and Funeral Planning for their professionalism and care in our time of need. Online condolence and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca.