It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Gilbert Rubio, who passed on April 26, 2018, in Mercy Hospital. Gilbert was born in Lubbock, Texas and spent most of his early life there until he graduated from Thompson Jr. High. He resided then with his parents, Ignacio and Mabel Rubio, along with his 12 brothers and sisters. They eventually moved to McFarland, California and Gilbert immediately went to work so that he could help out his family.
He enjoyed helping others so he began his first job with Cesar Chavez Labor Union assisting the farm workers then eventually went to work for the grape growers. The highlight of his career was having the opportunity to meet Bobby Kennedy. He then went on to manage several complexes and then spent the latter part of his life taking it easy. He enjoyed watching the news, listening to good music, spending time with his daughters and grandsons, socializing with the neighbors, and feeding birds. He had a love affair with ham sandwiches, Carls Jr., 7up, Dallas Cowboys, and baseball caps.
Gilbert is survived by his two daughters, Michelle and Erika; his grandsons, David, Christian, Matthew, and Andree; great grandson, Jayden; brothers, Reyes Rubio, Arturo Rubio, and Phillip Rubio; sisters, Diana Rodriguez, Yolanda Ramirez, Gracie Castillo, Laura Jimenez, Pearl Pavao, and Gloria Rubio. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond Rubio, Louis Rubio, and Joe Rubio.
Funeral services for Gilbert will be at St. Joseph’s Church, 1515 Baker Street, on May 9, 2018, with a viewing open to family and friends, from 10:00 until 10:30 am. Mass services will begin at 10:30 am with Burial Services immediately preceding Mass. Gilbert will then be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
“I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye, how quietly you went and slipped away. Your wishes for me were to “take you home,” sadly that could not be. But know this now and know this true, I tried my best to save you. Upon your passing, I stood there still, it all seemed so surreal. One day you were here joking, the next you were going. I held onto your hand, never letting go, stayed until our separate ways became known. No more pain. No more fear. You were set free. I will forever be grateful to have spent those last days with you. Your presence is now vacant, but memories of you will forever be.” We love you, goodbye Dad!
