WA - Gordon ("Skip") Wilson Gilbert Jr. passed away peacefully at his Bellevue home on May 16, 2025, at the age of 96. Skip is survived by his sons, Andrew (Cherie) and Craig (Meri); grandchildren Alyssa Gilbert Johnson (Michael), Matthew Gilbert (Megan), Ryan Gilbert, Carlie Gilbert, Erin Sousley (Ryan), and Kristin Vrsek (Petr); as well as great-grandchildren Kennedy and Charlotte Johnson, Elle, Gwynevere, Xavier, and Layla Sousley, and Katie Vrsek. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Margaret ("Midge") Sylvester Gilbert, daughter, Katie Casey (Kevin), his parents, Gordon and Dorothy Gilbert, and his brother, Gary Gilbert. Skip was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose warmth, wit, and wisdom touched the lives of all who knew him.

Skip was born on April 23, 1929, at Seattle General Hospital in downtown Seattle and spent his early childhood on Capitol Hill before moving with his family to Spokane at the age of nine. Spokane's South Hill became his cherished home, where he attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Lewis & Clark High School. At Lewis & Clark, Skip distinguished himself as student body vice president and president of his class, forging many lifelong friendships along the way. Skip was a passionate participant in athletics, playing receiver in football and competing as a hurdler and high jumper in track.

After high school, Skip attended Whitman College on a track scholarship, graduating in 1951 with a degree in biology. He was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and continued to excel in athletics as a hurdler and high jumper in track. He was a four-year letterman and, in 1951, won the Northwest Conference championship in the high jump using the barrel roll technique to clear a height of 6'3" - years before the Fosbury flop revolutionized the event. Skip's love of sports continued throughout his life, both as a participant and as a proud spectator at his children's and grandchildren's youth and collegiate sporting events.

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Skip was an active Boy Scout, achieving the honor of Eagle Scout. However, the most significant moment of Skip's life came as a freshman at Whitman, when he met Midge on September 19, 1947, at the Bursar's Office. Skip and Midge were married on March 24, 1951, during their senior year, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Walla Walla, followed by a reception at the Beta house. Skip often referred to Midge as the "miracle" of his life.

Following graduation, Skip served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954. During this time, their daughter Kathleen (Katie) was born. Midge and Katie accompanied Skip to Oklahoma and then to Germany, where the family lived for a year while Skip served as an instructor at the Baumholder artillery range, teaching classified military strategies.

After his successful military service, Skip and his family lived in Pasadena, CA, Sunnyvale, CA, and ultimately settled in Bellevue, WA, to raise their family. While in California, Skip trained in the investments department at Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company (now Pacific Life), where he quickly rose through the ranks and, at just 29, became the District Manager for the State of Washington. In his mid-30s, Skip and a few partners founded Montgomery Mortgage Corporation, which later merged into Seafirst Mortgage Corporation, a subsidiary of Seattle First National Bank (now Bank of America). He was known for his creative approach to real estate financing, devising many sale/leaseback programs that are still in use today. Skip continued to work in the world of real estate finance in Seattle, making good use of his membership at the Rainier Club, where he often dined with clients, colleagues, friends, and family. In addition to his real estate finance work, and somewhat as a hobby, Skip enjoyed investing in and developing real estate himself, including some beautiful residential and commercial developments in the Bellevue area that exist to this day.

Following his retirement, Skip and Midge devoted much of their time to traveling, often with dear friends, throughout Europe and Hawaii, and enjoying their beach home, which they built in 1967 on Vashon Island. It was on Vashon where Skip and Midge enjoyed entertaining family and friends for decades. Inclusivity was at the heart of Skip and Midge's hospitality. They did not limit their invitations or gatherings to a select few; instead, they welcomed a wide range of guests, ensuring that everyone felt valued and included. Their beach home became a space where all were invited to relax, participate, and create memories together. Beach activities included annual 4th of July parties, beach volleyball, basketball, beach golf, hikes in the woods, dirt bikes, sailing, waterskiing, and fishing, all of which activities the family enjoys to this day. Skip's love of dogs was ever-present throughout his life, and his faithful canine companions were always a cherished part of family gatherings and adventures, whether at home or on the beach.

Skip's life was marked by integrity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to family and friends. His curiosity, kindness, guidance, and love will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Skip's memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Skip and Midge were members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Medina. A celebration of Skip's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his honor.