Local firefighter, community volunteer passes away at 47
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Published on: April 4, 2019 | Last Updated: April 4, 2019 12:13 PM EDT
James Gilbert was a lieutenant with Wetaskiwin Fire Services. He served with the department since April 2014 and was a member of the WFS honour guard. Sarah O. Swenson/Special to the Times
Wetaskiwin lost one of its most vocal community cheerleaders and dedicated volunteers recently.
James Gilbert, 47, died March 28 after suffering a severe stroke the morning of March 2. Though he had shown significant improvements in the following weeks, Gilbert passed away last Thursday afternoon at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.
He leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Kim, and sons Keagan, 12, and Linden, 14.
"We are extremely saddened by the untimely passing James. He was the most loving husband, wonderful father, and dedicated community member," the Gilbert family said in a statement to the Times.
"James was extremely proud to be a part of this community and worked tirelessly to make Wetaskiwin a better place for everyone's families. We would like to thank the community for all the help given over the past month. Your generosity has been overwhelming. We are especially grateful for the support of the Wetaskiwin Fire Services and the extended fire family."
The Gilberts came to Wetaskiwin in 2004, moving from Burnaby, B.C.
Gilbert began working as the health and safety coordinator for Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools. In 2013, he joined the City of Wetaskiwin as its health and safety coordinator, and in 2016, added the role of fire prevention officer to his growing list of responsibilities.
Perhaps his most notable and visible role in the community came when he joined Wetaskiwin Fire Services in 2014. Gilbert was one of eight City firefighters to travel to Fort McMurray to battle the devastating 2016 wildfires and the following year he was voted by his peers as Firefighter of the Year in 2017, the same year he was selected to join the department's newly-minted honour guard. Gilbert was promoted to lieutenant in 2018.
Beyond his work with the City and the fire department, Gilbert was a prolific volunteer. He was the first to roll up his sleeve whenever Canadian Blood Services came to town. He directed a significant amount of his energies towards fundraising for Special Olympics as one of the main organizers for the Battle of the Badges charity hockey game and Free the Finest events. Other volunteering activities included Race for Kids, Teddy Bear Picnic, Al Lund Memorial Ride, Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum scavenger hunt, Winter Warm-up, Fall Down Slow Pitch Classic, and coaching with the Wetaskiwin Soccer Association and Wetaskiwin Minor Basketball Association.
"James will be incredibly missed by all those who had the opportunity to meet him. His huge smile and unmistakeable laugh will never be forgotten. Our community has lost one of a kind," said Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam.
A celebration of life will be held at the Drill Hall on Monday, April 8 at 1 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
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