[ City: Everett | State: WA | Birthdate: 06/23/48 ]

Gilbert Eloy Romero meant so much to so many different people. He was a family man, a good friend, and a man of God. He always spoke firmly and honestly, and was never afraid to share his beliefs with others.

His parents were Helen and Narciso Romero. Gilbert was raised in Santa Fe, then Los Angeles. 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 four siblings: his brothers Richard, Patrick and Frankie and his younger sister Geri. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

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 June 11, 2008, Gilbert exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Claudia V. Romero.

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, two sons, Evan and Dylan and two daughters, Claudia and Erica.

Gilbert found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. He worked as an engineer in the Air Force and continued that work at companies such as TRW and Boeing. 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 an Air Force Veteran. He was in the US Air Force from 1968-1972 and spent one year stationed in Vietnam as an Aircraft Maintenance specialist . Gilbert saw action for one year during the Vietnam War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of sergeant. He received several awards recognizing his for him heroism including a Air Force Commendation Medal. 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. Some of his favorite pursuits were fishing, skiing and hiking. Gilbert was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was willing to share his interests with others, especially his sons, whom he often went hiking with in the mountains surrounding Vancouver, Canada.

In his younger years, Gilbert was an avid surfer, often waking up at the crack of done to catch some waves at one of his favorite beaches in Southern California. He was also a sports fan. He enjoyed watching baseball and any sport his children participated in.

Because he loved adventure, Gilbert enjoyed traveling and going on vacations. He often went on long road trips with his sons to California to visit family and Eastern Washington to go camping. Favorite vacations included visiting Washington DC with his two sons and New Mexico with his wife.

Gilbert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Gilbert's favorites was Duffy, a Golden Retriever. They were best friends for 13 years.

When his doctor recommended Gilbert retire in 2001, his words were met with stubborn resistance. Gilbert loved his work, but eventually left Boeing and relocated to Hesperia, California to be closer to his family. Even in retirement, Gilbert continued to stay in touch with his old friends in Washington and Oregon while making plenty of new ones, including his future wife at the hospital while recovering from knee surgery.

Gilbert passed away on July 11, 2009 at Loma Linda Veterans Hospital. He is survived by his wife Claudia, his two sons Dylan and Evan and his step-daughters Claudia and Erica. Services were held at The Bridge Church of the Nazarene. Gilbert was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery.

Gilbert was a loving husband and father who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Gilbert always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life were his gifts where appreciated. Gilbert was a faithful, hard working, faith driven man. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Gilbert Eloy Romero.      [From Making Everlasting Memories]

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Gil Passed on July 11, 2009   [7/20/09]