Steven R. Gilbert

Steven R. Gilbert, 49, of Skowhegan, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2011 at his home with his family by his side after battling renal cancer. Steven was born on June 28, 1961 in Skowhegan, the son of Rejean (Reggie) Gilbert and Betty (Thebarge) Gilbert.

He was a member of the Day Star Chapel in Madison. He always believed that God was looking-out for him. Some people thought Steve had nine lives, but he knew better. As his parents would always say, “The good lord is looking-out for Steve.”

In 1978 he was left paralyzed due to an accident. He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1980. He faced many challenges throughout his life. Steven always faced life with a positive attitude and was always making plans to do something in the future; he believed he would win his battle with cancer.

He had a passion for carving ducks. He spent hours cutting out prints and carving wood. He also loved hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, panning for gold and socializing with his family and friends. Steve always welcomed friends and family to sit around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and telling stories about the great outdoors. Steven loved the outdoors and loved riding the woods roads. He knew every road by heart and no matter how long it had been since he’d been on the road he remembered all the landmarks. He was especially knowledgeable of the Kokadjo area. People would often call him for directions when they were lost or not sure of where they were going.

He left his beloved dog, Bear, for his family and close friends to enjoy and care for. Bear will miss Steve dearly.

Steven is survived by his mother Betty Gilbert and her companion, Bob Ames, his father Reggie Gilbert and his wife Tina, 4 sisters, Louise Ritter and her husband Michael and their children Brittany, Michael, and Derek, Lorraine Garcia and her husband Steve and their children Mathew and Grant, Talia Fitzpatrick and her husband Adam and their children Riley and Jack, Rachelle Nunn and her husband Brent and their children Landon and Lauren, a brother-in-law and nephew, Michael Scott and his son Hunter, several aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, Mark Quirion, Lenny Nichols, Harland Buzzell, and John Ames, and very dear neighbors and friends, Elaine and Gary Wallace.

Steven was predeceased by one sister, Marie Scott who passed away on January 11, 2009.

The family wishes to thank all of Steven’s nurses and doctors who worked with him and a special thank you to Somerset Hospice Nurses; Gwen, Sue, Chris, Kim, and Erica who gave comfort to Steven and his family throughout his final days with us.

Services will be held at a later date in the Spring. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, ME.