Arthur "Dean" Gilbert

Dean was born in Smithers on October 12th, 1966 to Ron and Florence Gilbert. He grew up in Driftwood with his sister, Janice. Dean enjoyed an idyllic childhood as he spent countless hours on a dirt bike in the summer and on a snowmobile in the winter. Time spent with good friends fixing up an old cabin in the backwoods of Driftwood helped him explore the many mysteries and pleasures of life in the country. What exciting stories would be told if only the walls could talk.

In high school, Dean bought a blue van, and again, a tale or two could be told about the many adventures enjoyed in Gilbey's blue van. After graduating from Smithers Senior Secondary School in 1984, Dean left Smithers for mechanic training only to return to the valley, putting his skills to work for local companies, Frontier Chrysler, Harley Davidson, Four Seasons, Al's Towing and Rugged Edge.

Dean’s creativity shone as he put hands and heart into his love - mechanics. From wrenching to welding to fabricating, Dean could do it all. He could miraculously construct anything from left over materials. Known for his spotless workstation, Dean always knew when a tool was borrowed. Everyone knew never to return a tool to him without it being spotless and to never slam the Snap-On Tool box drawer!

Dean loved his toys. He would ride his bike in to work on days that ducks hid. His truck was a true mechanics truck, awful to look at, and the last to be worked on. He participated in Harley Davidson fundraisers. Dean valued a sense of community.

Dean's dog, Gus, was his biggest love, and his right-hand man. The two were inseparable. Together they enjoyed the outdoors, visiting friends and family, and hanging out with one another. Dean's love of dogs spoke to his gentle and loving nature. "Knucklehead" will miss Dean as much as we all will.

A quiet, gentle soul with a heart of gold, Dean was taken too young and too soon. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten by his family and friends.

Dean is survived by his parents Ron and Florence Gilbert; sister Janice Gilbert & Jim Meier; predeceased by his brother, Garnet Austin Gilbert.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to the Glenwood Hall.

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