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From The Islands' Sounder, May 1, 2013:
Loren Bruce Gilbertson
Loren Bruce Gilbertson, 64, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2013, amongst his family at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham, Wash. Loren was born on Jan. 7, 1949 to William and Elvera Gilbertson in Braham, Minn.
During high school, Loren visited Orcas Island with a friend and shortly after graduating from high school, moved to the Pacific Northwest.He graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in anthropology and settled on Orcas Island where he met and married Margery Rae Gilbertson, from Crescent City, Calif.
Loren worked in logging and construction, throughout the San Juan Islands and northwest Washington.
He was a born storyteller, articulate, and always quick with a joke, putting smiles on the faces of those around him. Loren enjoyed history, sitting by his fire listening to the radio, and spending time with his friends and family.
Loren is survived by his loving wife, Margery Rae Gilbertson; brother, Gary Gilbertson and wife Alice Gilbertson; son, Timothy A. Gilbertson; and daughter, Rae A. Gilbertson Alberg and her spouse.
Condolences may be sent to PO Box 127, Orcas
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Nick Exton
A proud father at his daugher Rae's wedding, 2012
Nick Exton
He was a hell of a driver
Nick Exton
Best man at our wedding
Marcia Soderholm
This is great! So nice to see pictures of his life. I could always count on him for fun. Opinions. Jokes. I visited Port Angeles, WA in 2001 and thought I'd be back and go to Orcas "next" time. Later we reconnected with Jon's help through email, shockingly still provocative. A real stinker that man. I liked him.
Sara McGee (Gregg)
Great photos Nick. I always wondered what Loren looked like as he aged. He was a good friend. I miss him too.
Jon Bjornson
The summer before Loren died my girl friend and I went on a Washington State vacation naturally this included a visit to Nick and Loren. We caught up with Loren at akind of boys club watering hole, beer, cocktails and a lot of chatter. Loren paid much attention to Nancy, my gal. After we left she said "Your friend Loren surwe knows how to flirt" I was so proud of him. There he was 20lbs under weight, hair all gone and charming thee new girl. I have many many memories of Loren I like that one. He is missed.
Marie Winckler (Nickell)
I'd always hoped I could get out to Orcas Island to visit Nick and Loren, and sorry I didn't get there in time to see Loren again. Thanks for posting the pictures, Nick.
Jeri Cagen (Watters)
Loren and I did a lot of crazy stuff together but the one I remember most vividly was when he taught me how to drive a stick shift. I am not sure how he stayed so patient and how I did not burn up the clutch but after the second lesson he trusted me to try on city streets!
Robin and I also took a road trip (by way of Canada) to see Loren during spring break the year after we graduated. Fun time.
Caroline Christian (Dunn)
The last time I saw Loren and met his wife was at a BBQ at Jon's in the early, mid nineties? everyone chatting away and suddenly Loren cocks his head, listening to Minnesota summer sounds. "That's a cardinal singing. I remember learning that in Boy Scouts. You never hear them west of the Rockies." And he just sat, smiling and listening.
Jeffrey Walsh
Gilby, a leader by example especially on the football field.I remember his ability to open holes on the offensive line for the running backs. He was a go to guy. He was a hard worker but not afraid to play. I think his genuine spirit caught most of us and he was someone that valued friendships. I wish I had gotten to know him better in my time at U-High. Skol Gilby. TTFN