Of Pearl City passed away peacefully at Pali Momi Hospital on November 23, 2020, he was 90. Gilbert was born in Honolulu on October 2, 1930 and was raised in Liliha. He graduated in 1948 from Farrington High School where he starred in Baseball. As a veteran of the U.S. Army he served his country during the Korean Conflict. While he was stationed in Germany it was there that he excelled in the 16th Army band playing the French horn. Upon returning home he entered the Honolulu Symphony and then the Royal Hawaiian Band where he would play for 30 years.
During his career he would perform with such stars as Johnny Mathis, Jack Benny, Rosemary Clooney, Henry Mancini, and Arthur Fiedler of The Boston Pops.
Gilbert was an avid golfer and a big supporter of UH athletics and local athletes in professional sports. He loved going to Las Vegas.
Gilbert is survived by his loving wife Elsie of 68 years, sons Gordon (Penny Yanagisawa) of Hilo, Kevin, daughters Dawna (Eric Enjada) Ota, Brenna (Jay) Walters, grandchildren Darren (Amber Davis) Ota, Travis Ota , Crystal (Eric) Lee, Collin Walters, Connor Walters, Jessi (Bryson) Martin, Erin Mau Phromsiri (Sarah Phromsiri) 4 great-grandchildren.
