Gilbert, Robert H.

1939 ~
 2020

OBITUARY

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5, at 2pm, First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood. COVID guidelines will be followed for safety with face masks and social distancing.  Registration to attend the service will begin on Monday, November 23rd at https//fpc-kingwood.org.

Robert H. B. “Bob” Gilbert, born January 1, 1939, in Aberdeen, Scotland went home to the Lord on Sunday, October 25, 2020. A devoted husband and father, he and his wife, Sheila of Stanmore, England, emigrated to the U.S. in 1965 and became U.S. citizens in 1981. A long-time resident of Kingwood and ordained Elder and Deacon of First Presbyterian Church, Kingwood, Bob traveled extensively with his career with Baker Oil Tools/Packer Division, now Baker Hughes and Continental Airlines, now United, and was also a small business owner.

Bob graduated from Aberdeen Academy in 1956, served in the Royal Air Force from 1958 – 1961 as an air traffic controller. He attended Cal State Fullerton while working full-time at Baker, before moving to Houston (Kingwood) in 1977. In Houston, he was a certified Scottish Country Dancing instructor and past member and Chieftain of the Heather and Thistle Society. Bob was also past President of the Houston Grampian Association and British-American Business Council. He also regularly gave the “Address to the Haggis” at numerous Houston Burns Suppers through the years.

Vibrant and full of life, you could always find Bob talking (or singing) about his beloved Scotland, reciting famed poet Robert Burns, and sharing this love with his grandchildren: Kyle and Brett Pladsen; Gil and Calum Payne; and step grandchildren Taylor, Bailey and Nick Christian.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sheila of 60 years, which they celebrated in May 2020; his daughters Lisa Christian, husband, Rob and family of Allen, Texas; Heather Payne, husband, David and family of Fort Collins, Colorado; along with sister Eileen, husband Alistair and family of Billericay, England; nieces, cousins, and dear family friends, many in the United Kingdom.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Ida (nee Humphrey) Gilbert; brothers Michael Gilbert and Francis “Frank” Gilbert, all of Aberdeen, Scotland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s honor can be made to Methodist Neurological Institute  (Https//givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/NantzGivingForm); Kingwood Memory Café (momscareplan.com); First Presbyterian Church, Kingwood, Music Ministry, (fpc-kingwood.org) or a charity of choice. “Anyone wishing to send flowers, they will be accepted at First Presbyterian Church, Kingwood, between 9:00 am and 12 Noon on Saturday, December 5th.”

 

 

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Service Information

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5, at 2pm, First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood. COVID guidelines will be followed for safety with face masks and social distancing.  Registration to attend the service will begin on Monday, November 23rd at https//fpc-kingwood.org.

To express your sympathy with a flower arrangement please contact our florist.

19 Responses

  1. Blessings to Sheila in the passing of Bob, whom I (Roger) will fondly remember as in later years I assisted him with his choir music. Roger & Peggy

  2. Our prayers and blessings go out to Sheila and the family. His songs and his pleasant spirit will be missed but not forgotten.Paul&JoeAnna Caldwell.

  3. So sad to hear the news about Bob. My heart goes out to Sheila and all the family. Hugs and Prayers, Susan Black

  4. So many memories with him, singing next to me for several years. He might need assistance which sheet music we are rehearsing or singing, but still remembered several songs in Scot, German or even French. Mostly joyful with such tender loving care by Sheila. RIP, my friend, until we get to sing together again…

  5. I am so very sorry Sheila and family have lost their precious Bob. I didn’t know him well but through Sheila, I knew he was a gentle man and he will be greatly missed. I enjoyed over the years watching his smiling face in our church choir and you knew he loved being there. May Sheila remember all the wonderful and loving times they had together, and now be uplifted knowing he is with our Lord, peaceful and whole again. In love and friendship. Dawn Leake

  6. Such a lovely soul & delight to have ever have had the pleasure to know. What an extraordinary life lived. Much warmth, comfort and courage to all of your family and loved ones. You will be missed

  7. i
    I will never forget Robbies lovely smile and the mischievious twinkle in his eye wikk miss him love to all Elizabeth. Neil and Emma xxx

  8. Known Robbie from his Aberdeen days and was at his wedding.Good friend – always had a smile. Love to Sheila & family

  9. I have fond memories of Bob from choir. We would great each other in some language other than English and he would tell me stories of his childhood or seeing the sun in the south of Europe and deciding to leave Scotland. Bob was always cheerful and funny and I will miss him. Sixty years of marriage was a great blessing and we know that we will be reunited with those who are in Christ. My prayers are with you Sheila.

  10. I will miss this fine Scotsman. We have a lot to be thankful for. I will miss this fine gentleman. God Bless.

  11. Bob was a delight to be around. He and Sheila were among some of the first people that Wayne and I got to know at our church. We truly loved Bob and know he will be missed.

  12. I got to know Bob and Sheila though our husbands journey of Alzheimer’s. Bob was a ray of sunshine who enjoyed talking to everyone and singing too. He will be missed by so many.

  13. Bob was a special friend and always full of laughter and fun. Always upbeat and will be
    remembered as kind and fun to be around. He will be missed.

  14. Uncle Robert had a beautiful sole, his smile and his laughter made you feel warm inside. I personally will miss that beautiful Scottish accent and his fantastic stories and singing. Sending lots of love to Auntie Sheila, Lisa and Heather we are thinking of you all ❤ ❤

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