Gilbert Victor Dye

Gilbert passed away peacefully at his home on April 7th, 2015. Gilbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Gilbert was born to Ruth and Gilbert Dye Sr. in Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

Gilbert and his family moved to Houston in 1934. In school, Gil excelled in sports and enjoyed playing, football, basketball and golf. Gilbert earned a golf scholarship to the University of Houston. Gilbert’s college years came to a halt when he was drafted into the Army in 1951 to serve in the Korean War. After basic training in Louisiana, Gil was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was assigned to work at Awase Meadows Golf Course, where he helped manage the course and gave golf lessons to officer’s wives and children on the weekends.

After the war, and after a short tour with the PGA, Gilbert returned to Phoenix in 1953, where his parents and younger sister Dorothy (Dottie), lived. With a small initial investment, Gilbert started his own welding supply business, Phoenix Welding Supply Company. Gilbert had worked as a welder in the Houston shipyards during high school and college and was eager to be back in the industry.

Soon after returning to Phoenix, Gil met his future bride, Joanne Vukovich. They were introduced at Durant’s, dated for five years and were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 23rd, 1958. Joanne and Gil were soon blessed with two sons, Mark and Mike.

Gilbert continued to manage his business, raise his family, play golf and race thoroughbreds. Gilbert retired in 1995 and has since enjoyed regular gin games with friends, watching sports and thoroughbred horse racing.

Gilbert is survived by son Mark and daughter-in-law Lori and granddaughter, Lindsey and husband Gregg and grandson, Chase; and by son Mike and daughter-in-law, Sydney and grandchildren, Madison and Taylor.

Gilbert was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Joanne, and by his sister Dorothy (Dottie) Reilly.

A special thank you to our caregivers and their many years of service to Gil and Joanne, they are each true angels from heaven.

Service to be held on Monday, April 13th at 10:00 AM at Green Acres Mortuary

401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona

In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following would be appreciated:

Hospice of the Valley

1510 E. Flower Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85014

www.hov.org

Arizona Animal Welfare League

25 North 40th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85034

www.aawl.org