Gilbert Contreras

6-16-1934 - 5-11-2016

Gilbert was born to Daniel Guzman Contreras and Angelina Vendrell Contreras in Los Angeles, California. He was raised in a large and loving family, closest in age to his brother Joaquin. Together the two of them ran in a pack, played sports together in high school, and were mischievous in many respects, such that they lit their father’s garage on fire “to see the devil.” Well, their dad showed them “the devil” after their antic of burning down the garage! Dan and Angie were wonderful parents, and Gil learned his love of fine things from his parents: Dan always drove beautiful cars (Gil was a Chevy truck man through and through – always driving something big and shiny) and was an amazing host - and his mom cooked the best Mexican food in the world (Gil learned his mom’s ways with Mexican food, including his camarones rancheros)! Gil had wonderful siblings and cherished the relationships he had with them until his final days.

Gil graduated from Fremont High School in Los Angeles in 1952 and enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces as a United States Marine, serving a tour of active wartime duty in Korea as an aircraft mechanic, eventually earning the rank of Corporal. Gil wore his Korean War Veteran ball caps proudly until the day he died. His love of country (both the U.S. and country music) and patriotism were second to none. One of his proudest moments wearing his cap was when a young resident of Seattle saluted him and thanked him for his service. A sadder moment was when he was spit upon by an anti-war protestor for wearing that same cap. He shed a tear, wiped off the hat, and proudly put it back on his head again. Gil exemplified Semper-Fi and love of country to his very core.

Gil met his soul mate, Patricia Lindemulder in 1955. She was cute with a 19-inch waist and driving a red Chevy convertible! He was a War veteran and employed with Pacific Telephone Company. It was love at first sight for both of them and against the odds, the two married in Las Vegas in 1957 and never parted each other’s side until the day Gil passed. Their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was at the center of their relationship, and through thick and thin they overcame obstacles due to their love for the Lord and their love for each other.

Gil and Pat are the parents to four children: Julie Lynn, Jeanne Annette, Baby “Angel,” and Gil Allen. Their children were (and continue to be) the joy of their lives.

Gil and Pat set up their home in Southern California, where Gil worked in management for Pacific Telephone for over 35 years. They established their first church home in Los Angeles at the Christian Reformed Church, then the CRC of Anaheim, then spent the next 20+ years as active members of Granada Heights Friends Church in La Mirada, where they established lifelong friendships with their Phileo Sunday School Class (many of whom are friends to this day) and were involved in many ministries there. Gil’s favorite ministry was ushering. You never wanted to be late when Gil was ushering, because if you were he would take great delight in escorting you up to the first rows of the church! When daughter Jeanne and husband Bill moved to Seattle and had two children, Gil and Pat retired from their respective jobs, moved to beautiful Camano Island, WA to be nearer to their grandchildren, and start a new life in the Pacific Northwest. Gil and Pat built their dream home complete with a 180-degree view of the beautiful waters of the Saratoga Passage, a woodshop for Gil, who was an accomplished woodcarver, and a sewing room for Pat, the aspiring seamstress. Life was complete for them when their daughter, Julie, and son, Gil, moved to the Pacific NW soon after.

Gil and Pat loved life on Camano Island and became totally entrenched in the community and in Camano Chapel in many ministries, as well as the Camano Yacht Club (Land Skippers) with whom he and Pat embarked on many RV adventures in their 5th-Wheel trailer. They even held part-time jobs for a time at a newly opened grocery store, working in the deli. They made many dear friends and were involved in many events, with dad cooking ribs and salmon for 300+ attendees on numerous occasions. Barbequing and fine cooking were a few of the joys of his life. His BBQ’d spareribs were second to none and his “Rib Rub” should be marketed! Gil and Pat loved to travel, going to Israel twice, to Europe, through the Panama Canal, to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, as some of their most noteworthy excursions.

Gil is survived by his wife Patricia (Pat) of 59 years; daughter Jeanne Miele of Edmonds (husband Bill, grandchildren Erica and Connor); son Gil of Seattle; sister Angie Baker (Bullhead, AZ); sister Armida Trottier (Bullhead, AZ); brother Dom Contreras (Coarsegold, CA); sister Sally McMahon (Sunrise, FL); brother Anthony Contreras (Surprise, AZ); sister Antoinette West (Kamiah, ID); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his firstborn daughter Julie in 2004, a son in 1963; Gil’s parents, and his brother Joaquin.

It is difficult to detail a person’s life into a simple, short written description. How do you condense nearly 82 years into such a tribute? Gil was a larger-than-life individual, full of detailed stories and laughter. He loved his wife and was true to her for 61 years. He fathered four children and supported each of them throughout his life. He was a true lover of country and a true patriot to the core. He gave resources to many charitable causes, including evangelistic causes, the NRA and the RNC. He was an avid sports fan and could be counted on to have a sports match of some sort on in the background. He was strong and a lover of all things good. The last several years of his life with declining health were very difficult for him. It is the family’s hope that you remember Gil for who he was - a man of integrity, a man of the Word, a man of faith, and a man of courage. In Christian faith, we know that we will see him again - that is our heavenly promise – and we look forward to that sweet reunion one day!

Memorial donations in Gil’s honor may be made to Camano Chapel (the church where he and Pat both served and were ministered to for over 20 years), 867 SW Camano Dr., Camano Island, WA 98282, or to Purrfect Pals (a feline rescue organization that his late daughter Julie and daughter Jeanne volunteered for – Gil was quite a cat lover!), 230 McRae Rd NE, Arlington, WA 98223.

Memorial services and graveside inurnment for Gilbert will be held in July. (Date and time to be determined). Please see this website for updates or contact the family for details.

Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home, Everett, WA.