Gary Gilbert Obituary|
Neil Mangum Remembers
Gary| John Husk
Remembers Gary|
Gary and Joy Gilbert working on
the Soldier-Warrior Project
in the Stone House at Little
Bighorn Battlefield
It is painful to share the news of Gary (Sonny) Gilbert’s passing
to our Friends membership. Gary unexpectedly passed away on July 4, 2014 in a
tragic accident. Gary and Joy Gilbert are some of the nicest people one could
ever know. I cannot begin to imagine how Joy must be feeling after the loss of
her husband. Gary was a true friend with a huge heart, and it was filled with a
passion for the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Gary and Joy volunteered several seasons at the Little
Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (LIBI) during Neil Mangum's administration
and under supervision of then Chief Historian John Doerner. John, Gary, and Joy
worked on a multitude of projects, but the one that became most important for
LIBI and in Gary's big heart was the
Soldier-Warrior Project. The purpose of the
project was to identify the names of soldiers and warriors who fought and/or
died at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. At the outset, the Park Service
approved publishing this list of names on the Friends of the Little Bighorn
Battlefield website. The result made for easy informational access for
researchers; this freed up time for the LIBI staff during which they would
normally be answering questions related to names, allowing them to delve deeper
into their own work, research, and projects.
Gary continued his research for warrior names long after
his volunteer duties were completed at LIBI. Over the last decade, Gary
regularly provided updates to this list of warriors for the Friends website. In
2012, Gary created a new list that identified the names of warriors from the
battle who later performed in various Wild West Shows. Gary's emails with the
subject header, "LBH Update" will be missed, not just by me, but by an untold
number of people who will no longer benefit from his tireless research. His last
update to the warrior list was on April 26, 2014.
It is so sad knowing Gary is gone, but I am fortunate to
have had him as a good friend. Part of our connection was our love of history
and the support Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield gives to LIBI. His
emails are already missed. Gary often wrote to me about books he was interested
in reading. His preferences included books about the battle, the Alamo, and
outlaws and lawmen. We enjoyed discussing these topics and the writings about
them. When we finished talking shop, he always took the time to ask how Joanne
and the kids were doing.
LIBI always seemed empty during the times Gary and Joy
could not make it. I was sad when Gary broke the news to me that he and Joy
wouldn’t be able to make it for the Friends events and the 138th anniversary in
June this year, but I am grateful that I got to see them at the Denver Symposium
last April. I was able to experience Gary’s big smile and handshake one last
time. The quality time we were able to take to visit afterwards is something I
will be able to use to call up good memories of Gary. When you bid farewell to a
person, you never expect it to be the last time.
God Bless Gary and Joy,
Bob Reece
July 6, 2014
In lieu of flowers, Joy Gilbert has asked donations
to be made in Gary Gilbert’s name to
Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
Gary's warm personality touched many people. Below are some
of their memories of Gary.
Jerry Greene: I just saw
your posting of the news about Gary. What a loss! Like you, I saw him at the
Denver Symposium, during which he made sure that I had copies of his warrior
lists. What a kind and generous soul he was, and his enthusiasm was unbounded.
I'm glad that I saw him that last time with his big smile and wonderfully
generous nature about him. Thanks for writing such a moving tribute. It was well
deserved.
Sandy Barnard: Such sad news. Gary was a delightful
guy to know. He never lacked a smile.
Dale Kosman: This is such terribly sad news.
Gary was the nicest guy - always gave a warm welcome when we'd meet up at LIBI.
Condolences to Joy, Ken and the rest of their family.
Kay Hunsaker: I am shocked & deeply saddened by this
news. His friendship
and ready smile will be greatly missed.
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