Clarence Leroy Gilbertson

Died peacefully at home February 5, 2017, under the compassionate care of family and hospice at the age of 79, of pancreatic cancer. Known as Leroy to family, and later as Gil to friends and colleagues, he was born May 23, 1937, in Kalispell, Montana, to Mary (Bondurant) Gilbertson and George Clarence Gilbertson. Along with his eight siblings (Mae, Harold, Mary Lou, Jim, Peggy (deceased), Ted, Larry and Janice), he enjoyed a rural upbringing, starting out in a cabin on “the meadow” and eventually moving into town. A 1955 graduate of Flathead High School, he went on to Montana State University where he earned a degree in agricultural engineering, a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army, and his future nickname “Bobcat.”

During his 26 years of military service to our nation, he served in five countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, Argentina, Bolivia, and the United States. Following a successful career in military intelligence, foreign affairs, and Spanish language instruction at West Point, he enjoyed a satisfying retirement of part-time work, golf at Pinecrest, many meaningful volunteer efforts, and international travel. This fine man was a soldier for life, exemplifying the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage, and inspired these values in his children and others he mentored.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Regina (Guthy), and children Irene Gilbertson (Johnson) of Portland, Oregon, Steven Gilbertson of Spokane, Washington, and Karen Lennon and husband Bob of Nashua, New Hampshire. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren, Jacob Gilbertson, Claire Johnson, Kathryn Gilbertson, Emily Lennon, Grace Johnson, Abigail Lennon, and Ruth Johnson.