Gary Gilbertson

Deepest sympathy to Cathy Chris and all of Gary's family. I remember fondly the years of working together with Jan and the trips our churches took together many places, but especially to Great America where Gary was the only adult who go with me on the roller coaster. Great days with great folks.

Some people enter your life for a reason, and some leave an imprint that lasts a lifetime. Gary Gilbertson was the first professional boss of my career. I last saw Gary at the Oscar Mayer reunion in 2023. After thirty‑seven years, he still remembered me—my name, my work, and the young junior payroll programmer I once was. That alone says so much about who Gary was. We spent most of that evening together, catching up and sharing stories. I even showed him my original 1983 résumé—the one that somehow convinced him to take a chance on me. Looking at it now, I honestly wondered how he ever decided to hire me. I’m deeply grateful that I had the chance to tell him what he meant to me. To thank him for the opportunities he gave me, the patience he showed, and the impact he had on my career and my life. Not everyone gets the chance to say those things out loud. I’m fortunate that I did. I will always remember him with respect, gratitude, and a smile.