Wilbur Gilbert

Wilbur “Gil” Gilbert, a long-time Whidbey Island educator, passed away at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton Aug. 1, 2004. He was 89.

He grew up near Johnson in Whitman County. He graduated from Washington State University and came to South Whidbey schools in 1937 where he taught in the high school, coached all sports and was later high school principal. He was married to Sylvia Olson in 1939. Mr. Gilbert served three years in the South Pacific as a Navy communications officer during World War II. He became superintendent of schools at South Whidbey from 1947 to 1951. In 1951 he became superintendent of Oak Harbor schools where he remained until 1970. During this time the school enrollment grew from 500 to 5,000 students, necessitating the building of several new schools. From 1970 until 1976 he served as consultant in the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Olympia. He then retired to live on Cathedral Drive near Coupeville. Sylvia passed away in early 1984. Mr. Gilbert then married Evangeline Shepherd, who preceded him in death.

In 1998 Mr. Gilbert moved to the Independent Living Facilities at Crista Shores in Silverdale, in order to be closer to family.

Mr. Gilbert is survived by his children Gail Temple (Dean) of Bainbridge Island, Linda Peters (David) of Hollywood, Calif., Bruce Gilbert (Ellen) of Sammamish, and Carol Gilbert of Bellevue; and four grandchildren, Karen Temple Rich, Brian Temple, Claire Peters and Nick Gilbert. He is also survived by Evangeline’s children, Gary Shepherd (Kerry) of Duncanville, Texas, Doug Shepherd (Sandra) of Coupeville, Morrie Shepherd (Donna) of Anchorage, Alaska seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mr. Gilbert’s past memberships included: past president and Paul Harris Fellow of Oak Harbor Rotary, Past Master of Langley Lodge F. & A.M., and Oak Harbor United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be given to the Oak Harbor Methodist Church, Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville, or to the donor’s charity of choice.