Gilbert Esteban Gibby Mata

Gilbert Esteban Mata, known by many as "Gibby," died unexpectedly on January 9, 2017 at the age of 26. He graduated from Clark High School in 2009 where he excelled as a linebacker in football and also graduated from St. Mary's University in 2013 with a double major in Criminal Justice and Political Science. His passion for adventure led him to leave his hometown of San Antonio, Texas to pursue a career as a Private Investigator for Coburn Investigative Agency Inc., in Denver, Colorado. Never one to settle, Gilbert continued to further his education at the University of Denver and was hours away from earning his Masters in International Security.

As strong as his drive was to accomplish all that he envisioned for himself, nothing was more important to Gilbert than his love for family and friends. A hug from Gilbert was strong and sincere; the affection in his embraces spoke louder than words. The care he showed his dog "Emma" was certainly another example of that love. There was hardly a day that she was not either sitting on his shoulder, or foremost on his mind. He played hard and laughed even harder; always creating new memories, and never failing to reminisce about the old ones. One could often hear him talk about simple pleasures such as watching horror movies with family and pretending not to be scared, or cheering on his Denver Broncos and his hometown Spurs every chance he had. Whatever life brought before him, Gilbert embraced it with his infectious smile and truly lived each moment to its fullest. During his time at St. Mary's University, Gilbert was chosen to participate in an overseas study in Innsbruck, Austria where he reveled in eye opening experiences and immersed himself in various cultures with an intense hunger for new knowledge. His extensive travels throughout Europe were filled with amazing new foods and great beer.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Renae Mata who joined the Lord in 2002. He is survived by his father Gilbert Mata; his mother Aida Guillory and stepfather Gary Guillory; sisters Nicci Mata, Lisa Cantu; his stepsisters Emily and Mary Arden Guillory; his stepbrother Colby Guillory; his son Carson Elliott Mata; Tonya Smith; his paternal grandparents Raymond and Ernestina "Tina" Mata; his maternal grandparents Salvador L. and Paula C. Belmares; his uncles Roger Mata, Paul Mata, Charles Mata, Salvador C. Belmares, Rene Belmares, Eduardo Belmares; his aunt Anna Mata and many other family members including numerous cousins that will miss him dearly.

A Visitation will begin on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Porter Loring on McCullough Ave. at 4:00 pm followed by a Rosary Service at 7:30 pm. PROCESSION WILL DEPART FROM PORTER LORING, THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017 AT 10:00 AM FOR A FUNERAL MASS AT HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 159 CAMINO SANTA MARIA AT 10:30 AM followed by the burial at Resurrection Cemetery Cordi-Marian, 11624 Culebra Road.