Gilbert Gonzalez

Gilbert Gonzalez Sr, 84, of Wapato, powered down the tractor and hung up the shovel on April 4, 2017, surrounded by his family who showered him with acres of love. Gilbert was born on May 21, 1932 in Garza-Gonzalez, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Son of Julio and Adela Olivares Gonzalez. He started planting memories in Wapato when he met the love of his life, Maria Belia Acosta. They married on September 19, 1957. With their organic love, they produced three wonderful children, Gilbert Jr, Maria Elena, and Alfonso Juan Gonzalez. Through the marriage of his first son, Gilbert, he gained a daughter, Esther Garza, who he came to love as his own. With his gifted green thumb, Gilbert was one of the first Hispanic farmers in the lower valley who started farming in 1965 through 2002. He was proud to become a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1970. His greatest joys were his granddaughter (Nichole), two grandsons (Gilbert III and Estevan), and two great granddaughters (Aubrey and Izabella). Through his grandchildren, he came to love Jamarr Beecham and Yesenia Perez just as much. Gilbert enjoyed camping, hunting, playing Bingo, and family barbecues. He cultivated friendships which produced many lasting memories. He was loved and respected by all. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Maria Belia Gonzalez. Children, Gilbert Jr. (Esther), Maria Elena, and Alfonso Gonzalez. Grandchildren, Nichole (Jamarr), Gilbert III aka Lb, and Estevan (Yesenia). Great Grandchildren, Aubrey and Izabella. Siblings, Chica Gonzalez- Texas, Fidel Gonzalez, and Segundo Gonzalez- Wapato. Preceded in death by his parents, Julio & Adela Gonzalez. Siblings, Vicente, Marcos, Aurora, Luis, and Eugenio Gonzalez. As Gilbert would always wish “Good Luck” to family and friends upon departing, it is only fitting that we wish him “Good Luck” on his journey to his eternal home. Services for rosary will be held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 6pm at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 @ 10am. He will be laid to rest at Wapato Reservation Memorial Cemetery. Dinner will follow at Wapato Convention Center. Special thanks to the staff at Cornerstone Medical Clinic, Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital, and Cottage in the Meadows for the overwhelming care and support. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gilbert Gonzalez, please visit our flower store.