Michael Gilbert

Michael L. Gilbert was born on February 14, 1951 in Bakersfield, California to Betty Kirkland and Claude Gilbert. His fondest childhood memories occurred in Shafter, one of them being when his mother, Betty, would give Mike and his sister money to walk down to A&W to order the Mama and Papa burger. In 1966, his family moved to Chula Vista. He attended Hilltop High School and was a well known athlete. He excelled in football as a running back, once returning a kickoff for 85 yards to score a touchdown. He also excelled in track and field, setting records in the long jump. After graduating high school, he attended Southwestern College to fulfill his general education requirements. He then transferred to San Diego State University, where he majored in history and participated in track and field. He married in 1976 and had his eldest daughter, Erika in 1977.

He married his wife, Gloria, of 32 years in September of 1981. They had three children, Casey, Gretchen and Cody. In 1982, he started his 30 year career at Costco. Two years later, he returned to Hilltop High School as a football running back coach. This started his 25 year career coaching football and track and field at various high schools. Coaching with Bonita High School provided him the opportunity to form long lasting friendships and to travel to Hawaii, Cuba, South Carolina, and various other states in the US.

Mike enjoyed many road trips with his family and yearly trips to Idyllwild became a favorite family tradition. He had a wonderful sense of humor and played many pranks on his family members. He was a loving and patient father and his family was the most important part of his life. He will always be known as “Mr. Trivia” with a vast knowledge of history, sports statistics, and movies. He loved hockey, supporting the L.A. Kings, and was excited about the first Stanley Cup win in 2012. His interests included his eclectic taste in music, football, old movies, and the History channel. He was the king of Weber bbqing. He was so well loved that even a trip to the grocery store was a mini reunion of friends and neighbors.

Michael is survived by his wife, Gloria, daughters Erika and Gretchen (Scott and future grandbaby), sons Casey and Cody, his father Claude, Stepmother Marylou, sister Patty Fay, brother-in-law Ted, and sisters-in-law Delores and Rita. He was predeceased by his mother, Betty.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.