Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You
Robert "Bob" Allen Gilbert Sr.
May 9, 1939 - May 24, 2023

Place of Birth: Roundup, Montana
Residence: Sidney, Montana
Age: 84



How do you measure success? Robert (Bob) Allen Gilbert Sr. was born on May 9th, 1939 in Roundup MT to Robert Virgil Gilbert and Edith Mae Horning-Gilbert. As a young man he joined the Army reserves then soon after started his career in the oil industry, and finishing up in the Montana legislation. He married Lillian Delores (Dee) Hazelton-Gilbert on Oct 11, 1956 and spent 66 years enjoying life together. They had three children they were proud of, sons Robert (Rob) Gilbert Jr. and Keith Gilbert, and daughter Suzanne Gilbert-George. They built their lives and raised their family in Roundup, Gillette WY, Williston ND, Glendive, and finally settled in Sidney.

So how do you measure success? Is it the 17 years he worked for Getter Trucking as a truck driver moving drilling rigs and later being a truck pusher? He loved moving drilling rigs, he could talk for hours about the ins and outs of driving truck and the rigs. Is it after going into a partnership and buying Paraffin Service, hauling water, oil, and mud for 17 years? Taking the business from a small 6 truck company and building up to a 15-truck business after buying his partner out. Is it the 10 years he served as a legislative representative for the state of Montana, serving the needs and wants of Montanans and making an impact across the state. Was it the 28 years serving as a lobbyist for Phillips, Rosebud, and Musselshell Counties, the cities of Glendive and Colstrip, School Bus Contractors, Aviation Trades Association, Montana Tow Trucks Association, or Montana Walleyes Unlimited? Or was it that many of his colleagues held him in high esteem?

In all things, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Was it in the things he truly enjoyed like hunting the Castles and Little Belt mountains, sailing his 27’ sail boat on Canyon Ferry and Fort Peck, spending time at their cabin on Fort Peck, the many hours flying his push/pull Sky Master or his Cessna 182s? Was it his passion for reading, being a Mason and Shriner for over 50 years, or a Moose and Elk’s member? For Bob it was in the conversations and relationships he built with everyone he met. He loved people, he loved sharing his experiences and learning from others. He loved hearing about state issues and finding solutions, he loved sharing stories about his grandkids and the people he’s met with everyone. He was genuinely proud of his family and those that he made a connection with. Bob was successful in business but more importantly to him, he was successful in the relationships he had.

Bob passed away after enjoying one last session in Helena doing what he loved, visiting with people and building relationships while serving the citizens of Montana.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Dee Gilbert, son Robert Gilbert Jr. (Debra) grandson Rob Gilbert III (Jessica), daughter Suzanne George grandsons Bobby, Nick (Holly), and Chad, daughter in-law Brenda Gilbert grandson Cody, grandson Keith Miller, granddaughter Stacey Miller-Cousins, 16 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, sisters Gloria Soderstrom, Darlene Miner, Mary Ellen Swain, Emma Fraser, and brother Joe Gilbert.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother Edith Groom and father Robert V Gilbert, son Keith Gilbert, sisters Shirley Gilbert-Bienhoff and Kathy Meehan, and brothers Mike Scott and Larry Gilbert.

Memorial Contribution
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital.

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Cindy Tippett (Sidney, MT)
May 25, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss. When I was at the coffee cart at the hospital my morning was complete when I saw you two.
Walt and Karen Mcnutt (Sidney, Mt)
May 26, 2023
So sorry about Bob's passing. Our thoughts are with you and yours.
Tracy, RN
May 26, 2023
Oh no! My heart is so sad to see this. I’m so glad I was able to stop and visit with him each morning through the years. He always had a huge smile, a nice compliment and a positive word as we parted!
I’m blessed to have been able to visit with him the last time he was there eating breakfast.
God bless , love , and prayers to his sweet wife and family.
John wiliams (Colstrip, Mt)
May 27, 2023
God Bless you Bob.Thankyou for your service to The State of Montana and all in Coal Country.
Don Steppler (Brockton, Mt)
May 27, 2023
Dee, Rob and Deb,
So sorry to here this news. I enjoyed working with Bob while in Helena and in Richland County. It was a time when legislators would talk things out and compromise, sorry to have lost that. I will always remember the lessons I learned from Bob and others we worked with. These memories will live with me for a long time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Don and Kathy
Sabre Cash (Vivian , Louisiana )
May 29, 2023
Dear, Dee, Suz, Rob, & family
Dad & I were truly saddened with news of Bob’s passing. He was an extraordinary man! Friendly, funny & caring. A great conversationalist! We really enjoyed our visits with him while we’re visiting in Roundup. Our thoughts & prayers are with you now & the coming days. May God give you peace & strength through your time of grieving! Love to all!
Cary Smith (Billings, Montana)
May 29, 2023
Always enjoyed seeing you at the Capitol. You will be missed.
Don Pyrah (Lewistown, Mt)
May 29, 2023
Mr Walleye! Bob was the face of WUM for many years! He was instrumental in bringing WUM to where it is today. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you all!
Mitch Tihista (Sidney, MT)
May 29, 2023
I wrote Bob’s insurance when he had Paraffin Services and he was a great man to work with. The Gilbert family is a great family and I’m sorry for your loss.
Shirley Fender (Lincoln, ND)
May 29, 2023
Dee, Rob and Deb, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I only met him a couple of times but he left a lasting impression on our lives. I pray for strength for all of you during this difficult time.
Lance Fourstar (Wolf Point, Montana)
May 29, 2023
It was an honor to see Bob every day at the Capitol in Helena. I sat down every day that I could and visited Bob. I gifted Bob with a special bolo tie of my late Uncle Al “Hoot” Minugh of Dodson, MT. Rest in peace Bob, my condolences to the family.
Sherry Essmann (Billings, MT)
May 30, 2023
Dee, I so enjoyed seeing you and Bob every morning on my way to the House Chamber. I could always count on a smile and a friendly HELLO. Bob testified in a couple of my committees, and he was well spoken and informed. He will be missed by all who had a chance to cross paths with him. Please take care of yourself. My best hopes and prayers for you and your family.
Roger Hagan (Great Falls, MT)
May 30, 2023
Dee, my prayers are with you and your family in this hour of need. I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing and am so thankful that we (Bob, you, and I) got to spend yet another session at the Legislature this year. Bob has been a great friend from the time I first met him when he served as a legislator. We have shared many great conversations together and I will miss his wise guidance.
Russ Fagg (Billings, MT)
May 30, 2023
Bob was a bright and talented legislator. He had two quotes on the floor of the house I will always remember—only one I will share. He said “Montana is like a big cow. The mouth is over eastern Montana eating up all the nutrients….and the utters are over Helena dispensing all the milk.” Pretty good. May you RIP Bob!
Mal and Roberta Soare (Fort Peck, Montana)
May 31, 2023
Dee and family. Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We had lots of good times with you and him. Good times flying, and sailing on Fort Peck lake and fun times at the cabins. God Speed, Bob.
Kirk Miller (Helena, MT)
May 31, 2023
Condolences to Dee, Suzanne, and Bob’s family! He was a great man, helping to mentor and teach many lobbyists the power of effective advocacy! I was one of those mentees, and will forever be thankful to have met and learned from a great educator! Rest in Peace.
Mary and Dan Humbert (Glasgow, MT)
May 31, 2023
Sending our condolences to you Dee and your family. Bob was a huge asset to our WUM organization, many years of involvement. RIP Bob!
Shelby DeMars (Helena, MT)
May 31, 2023
It was a privilege and an honor to get to know and work with Bob. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dave Galt (Helena, Montana)
Jun 1, 2023
Dee, I was saddened to hear the news about Bob’s passing. I’m glad I had the opportunity to see you both for one last Legislative Session. I was always impressed at Bob’s ability to stay on top of all the bills he watched. I know just how hard that is. I’ll miss him and you. My prayers are with you.
Tim Denowh (Cartwright, ND)
Jun 1, 2023
Rob and family. So sorry to learn of your dads passing. May the Lord comfort you through this time and cherish the memories.
Jim & Shelly Campbell (Shepherd, Mt)
Jun 3, 2023
Rob, Deb and all of Bob’s family: Sorry to read this. Thinking of all of you in the days to come. Big hugs your way.
Kirk Miller (Helena, MT)
Jun 3, 2023
Condolences to Dee, Suzanne, and Bob’s family! He was a great man, helping to mentor and teach many lobbyists the power of effective advocacy! I was one of those mentees, and will forever be thankful to have met and learned from a great educator! Rest in Peace.
Larry Epstein (Essex, Montana)
Jun 5, 2023
Dee and family. I will sure miss seeing you two on “Bob’s Bench”. The Capital and Montana has lost a darn good man, a great friend.
Debby Nyby (Grand Junction, CO)
Jun 5, 2023
Dee
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember all the good times and conversations I had with you and Bob. Sending my deepest sympathy to you during this difficult time.. Debby and Bob Nyby
Mike Yakawich (Billings, MT)
Jun 21, 2023
It was a true and great honor and pleasure to get to know Bob and his wife in the Hallways of the Capitol. We had some good talks, some great laughs, and he encouraged me along the way at the Session in Helena. It was a joy to sit with him and Dee at times just "chewing the fat". I recall our visit at WalMart with my wife and him and Dee and it was fun and good cheer. God rest his soul and may all the great memories of him be like salve to heal the broken heart of the loss of a great man. Thank you Bob for your kindness and time you spent with me. You and Dee are one of my best memories in Helena in 2023.
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