C. L. 'Gil' Gilbertson, 84

C. L. "Gil" Gilbertson, 84, former Director of Disaster and Emergency Services for the state of Montana, died of natural causes Jan 23, 2008, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena.

Mr. Gilbertson was born, raised and educated in Flathead County. While in the Flathead, he farmed, operated a small logging operation, and owned and operated the Union Oil Company wholesale petroleum distributorship.

In 1972, he was appointed by Gov. Thomas Judge as the director of Civil Defense for the state of Montana, a position that later was changed to the Disaster and Emergency Services Division. He occupied this position until retirement in 1985. In this position, he was responsible for obtaining state and federal funds for the operation of this division and heading disaster relief efforts throughout the state. After his retirement, Mr. Gilbertson continued this work as a reservist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in providing relief services after earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods across the United States.

He had a true love of country and its people. Mr. Gilbertson served his country with 34 years in the Montana National Guard, enlisting as an E-l and working his way up to the rank of full colonel. While in the National Guard, he attended a variety of military service schools, including the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

"Gil" Gilbertson may be best known for his extensive volunteer activities. After his retirement, he frequently worked far more than 40 hours a week, going from one worthwhile cause to the next. He had been active in and held executive positions in many local civic organizations. He was on the board of directors of the Rocky Mountain Development Council for many years and served as the chairman of the Advisory Council for the Area IV Agency on Aging. In addition, he frequently could be found working at the Tourist Information Center, the Montana Library for the Blind Talking Book Library, Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, the Montana Military Museum, St. Peter's Hospital, or the Waterford Retirement Community. In addition, he was an active member of the Kiwanis and Lions clubs. Through his volunteer activities, he touched many people's lives and made a true positive difference in the community.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Zola, in 1991; and his eldest son, Bruce, in 1995.

Survivors include his son, Mark, and his wife, Jean; and two grandchildren, James and John; Bruce's wife, Debra Wyman; his sister, Delores, and her husband, Robert Blake; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation is scheduled at 4 to 6 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at Hagler-Anderson Chapel. The funeral will take place at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Helena at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan 28. There will be a reception at the church after the service. The military graveside honors will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be sent to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, 1400 Stuart St., Helena, MT 59601, or the Montana Military Museum, P.O. Box 125, Fort Harrison, MT 59636-0125.