Gilbert Angel Lopez

    Gilbert Lopez was born on April 20, 1935, in Santa Barbara, California, to Ezekiel and Apolonia Lopez. His father, a farm worker, later moved the family to the small community of Buttonwillow, California. When Gilbert was just ten years old, his father, stricken with tuberculosis and was admitted to a sanatorium where he remained for the rest of his life.
    From an early age, Gilbert was known as one of the hardest workers in his community. In school, his natural artistic ability was quickly recognized, and he was asked to contribute to a mural on the school grounds.
    The family eventually settled in Bakersfield, where Gilbert graduated from high school and later from Bakersfield College with an associate’s degree in business. True to his character, he balanced his schooling, and two jobs at the same time. After finishing school, he joined the Army Reserve and proudly served from 1956 to 1962.
    Gilbert went on to build a long and successful career in retail management, leading stores in Bakersfield, Taft, Indio, and Oceanside. After 40 years of dedicated work, he retired from the Frazee Paint Company of San Diego.
    A man of deep faith, Gilbert prayed the rosary every day. Though not an avid reader, his favorite book remained “The Divine Life of the Most Holy Virgin.” He was a devoted member of St. Francis Church for more than fifty years and humbly served as a Eucharistic Minister for three decades.
    Outside of work and church, Gilbert found joy in gardening, creating art, and collecting maps (he had no need for GPS). His favorite hideaway was the serene beauty of Lake
Tahoe, where he loved to spend time.
    Above all, Gilbert’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Gilbert and Esther met in 1955 and were married for 66 years. He is survived by his wife Esther, his son Gilbert, daughters Teresa and Elizabeth, nine grandsons, two granddaughters, and seven great-grandchildren. He now joins his beloved daughter Rosanne Lopez (1963 to 1984).
    Gilbert will be remembered as a spirited man of faith, devotion, and perseverance. His
life was a testament to hard work, love of family, faith in God, and service to others.
    Go with God. Be at peace

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