John was an amazing artist. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Ferry Building Gallery, helping him install his works for his exhibitions. His joyful demeanor and playful sense of humour was a delightful breath of fresh air. I had never met someone so full of fun. We got to work together on making molds for some of his work at his magical home and studio. I really enjoyed my time with him and Louise. I think of him a lot and hope his art is still being enjoyed. They were absolutely brilliant and he was able to create so many whimsical and complex pieces across his career. We miss you John. You are an inspiration and will continue to be. Dusty

Sorry I lost touch after 2012, but so glad I made the trip to your [last] exhibition held at the Ferry Building Gallery in West Van.

You were moved to tears which surprised Louise and Me!  Your genius and playful works of art ... your accomplishments and artworks on display at Vancouver's Expo so many years ago are all legacies many will never experience in their own life times.  But you did experience it all, with grace and your [little boy] shyness!

A long standing friendship with Mom and Dad over many a decade made you a part of my family; and communicating with each other long after Mom and Dad were where you are now , meant so much to me in my life.   Now you are all together as if nothing changed.  I know the family you left behind still feel the loss.

I do miss your presence in this world of ours.  RIP.  See you then ~

A door has finally been closed in my life with John's death. I have had the pleasure of knowing and loving three generations of this family beginning with Jody, his niece, continuing with Hildie, his mother, including Jody's siblings, and even his sister Virginia, known by her many nicknames including Weegee and Aunt Banana and including his dear chosen companion, Louise. You folks swam out of a remarkable gene pool, possessing a spark of genius that has expressed itself in each of you with joy, wild good humour, a fair share of orneriness and flashes of great inspiration. Yes, John, you truly were, as your mother called you, “My son, the genius” Oh how, you will be missed by all who knew and loved you. The silent future stretches ahead with such emptiness now that you are gone. But at least we have the hope to someday again see and enjoy your many marvelous sculptures as they whir, splash and roll into motion. God speed Pooh, the 40 acre wood awaits and someday even Piglet will cavort there with you.

Dear John, an honour to have known you for 40 years. Sad for the loss of you, but happy for your peace. Dream on. Louise, our condolences. Eric

Psalms 55:22 can be a real source of comfort during this tough time. Sorry to hear of your loss.

I am saddened to read tonight Dec. 4th about John passing..I have known him all my life as he was a neighbour of my grandparents Grace and Jack Redden. I too am an artist and I so delighted in his works of amazing sculptures. He had great humor and manners..please let his family know my throughts are with them at this time..Page Samis

John, I was so honoured to have met you and Louise last year at about this time.  Our visit was wonderful.  I will miss you.

OBITUARY

Mr. John Martin Gilbert

7 May, 1926 – 26 November, 2013

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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