David Lawrence Gilbert

June 17, 1954 - November 26, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Lawrence Gilbert, a loving father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, on November 26th, 2019 at the age of 65. Dave passed away peacefully in Prince George with his wife and children at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Until his last breath, Dave never gave up hope for a cure to cancer.
Dave was born in Bella Coola BC on June 17th, 1954 to Richard 'Dick' Gilbert and Ella 'Edna' Gilbert. Dave met his wife Moreena in Anahim Lake, and they married after 25 years of being together on September 13, 1997. Dave worked in the region for many years with the Province of BC, Cariboo Roads Service, West Chilcotin Forest Products and affiliates, and as a business owner. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushroom picking, gardening and autobody work. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and craftsman and enjoyed the outdoors and wood working. Dave was a dedicated family man, friend and Papa to many. Dave had a deep love of the Bella Coola Valley, Anahim Lake and Nimpo Lake communities and loved visiting his friends and family in these areas.
Dave is survived by his loving wife Moreena, two children Bonnie (Shawn), Cheryl (Chuck), his three brothers Harv (Rosalie), John (Dale) and Jim (Sue) and one sister Elsie. He will be dearly missed by his 9 grandchildren: Cora, Sky, Neveah, Faith, Jace, Kendall, Kelly, Jackson and Joseph; one great grandson Lance, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and children that graced his life.
Dave's family would like to thank the communities of Bella Coola, Anahim Lake and Nimpo Lake, and the health care teams of Dr. Coetzee, Dr. Bacenas, Dr. Pace-Asiak, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Zimbler and Dr. Alfaraj for supporting Dave during his journey. A special thanks to Andy and Grant, for continuing amazing care for our families for over three generations. A very special and heart felt thanks to Dr. Alfaraj for being an earth angel to Dave and our family.
A memorial service will be held on December 14th, 2019 at the Bella Coola Legion from 1 - 4 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20th, 2019 in the Bella Coola Valley. Details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Dave's name.