Our deepest sympathy from Don, Michelle, Emma and Donnie Robinson in California.  My prayers are with Josie and the Gilbert family.  It is a sad day here.  I am remembering all the good times spent with the Gilberts and my parents Don and Jo Ann when I was young.

I first met Don when I was 11 years old and he was about 12 years old.  We went to St. Martin's school together and were in the service about the same time (during the Korean War).  After leaving the service, we both worked at Stroh's Brewery.  We married in the 1950's and started our families - continuing getting together socially through the years.  Don had a great sense of humor, always making us laugh, and was a good, Catholic man, great father and devoted husband.  As kids, we enjoyed ice-skating under Fisher's Bridge, swam in the canals au natural, and hunted snakes all summer long one year.  I remember pooling money with Don Robinson, Don and I to buy our first car (even before any of us had a driver's license) - a 1936 Chevy.  We drove that car until the battery fell through the floor.  Fond memories, for sure, of the fun we had growing up.  Over these past more than 70 years, our friendship remained strong throughout our lives.   Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don's devoted wife, Josie, and the Gilbert Family.  Farewell, good buddy!  You will be greatly missed by Rose and I.

I have memories growing up of my dad's buddies:  Dominick, Don, Tommy, Don R.  So wonderful that their friendships endured for so many years.  Looking at old photos is really funny and give us kids insight into our parents growing up.  My dad has told some stories of the boyhood things he did with his buddies.  So sad that they have all passed away.  Getting old is not for sissies.  My husband, Ron and I send prayers to Josie and the kids - I can't imagine how difficult it is to get through this time, losing a parent.  Ron has lost both of his parents the last 6 months, so we know that treasuring memories is important.  Smile through your tears and know that Don has angels by his side.

I met Don when I was 11 and he was about 12 years old.  We were lifelong friends and went to St. Martin's School together.  We were in the service around the same time, during the Korean War (early 1950's).  As adults, we got married within a few years of each other, and raised our families in the east side of Detroit.  Don had a great sense of humor which added lots of fun to our activities while we were growing up.  He was a good, Catholic man who instilled a strong sense of religion to his family.  Don was one of the most honest men I ever knew.  Most of all, he was a loving father, husband, and friend and will be greatly missed by us all.  I have so many great memories with Don:  ice skating at Fisher's Bridge, swimming au natural, hunting snakes, to name a few.  We have a lifetime of growing up together, sharing these life experiences for over 70 years (almost my entire lifetime).  Rose and I offer our sympathy and prayers for Josie, Don's devoted wife, and the Gilbert family during this sorrowful time.  Good-bye my faithful friend - you will be greatly missed by all who knew you.

OBITUARY

Donald R. Gilbert

30 December, 1931 – 26 June, 2016

Kaul Funeral Home

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