Gary Lee Gilbertsen passed away at home on January 28.

He was born in Westport, Ore. to Fritz and Ina Gilbertsen on February 22, 1934 and grew up on Puget Island. He graduated from Wahkiakum High School and the University of Washington and taught in Portland high schools before returning to Puget Island in 1970.

He leaves his wife Kayrene; son Karlin (Melissa) Gilbertsen of Castle Rock; daughter Gabrielle (Brad) DeWitt of Chicago; brother Neal (Deirdre) Gilbertsen of Juneau; sister Nadine (Jan) Zackrisson of Whidbey Island; brother-in-law Rick (Maartje) Carlsen of Sunnyvale and four grandchildren.

He was a dignified and caring man who loved his family, commercial fishing and arguing politics. He built his own seine boat and home on Puget Island. He was a great cook and a voracious reader.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the First Aid Division, PO Box 142, Cathlamet, WA 98612.