Gilbert Gonzales Jr.

Gilbert lived life with a purpose, passion, loyalty, pride and dignity.   He always had a blueprint and plan in mind, thinking of what needed to be done and making it happen.  Once done he moved on to the next project, never an idle moment.   Although his death was not in the plan, it will be his next project, all to be done without a blueprint.  Even as Gilbert knew he was leaving, he was trying to make plans.  Plans to meet his little brother Jerry, father Gilbert and friend Pancho who have already completed their purpose on this earth.  Making plans and giving direction / orders to his patient wife, Kaylana, loving sister Lydia and little soldier daughters Maureen and Bernadette as how he wanted his remaining time on this earth to be handled as well as theirs.

Gilbert was a self made man, always studying and planning for the next stage of his life.  Starting with his young family at age 17 he worked construction.  Moving on to working at the National Guard Base, then Murray City where he became a Building Inspector, then to the Chief Building Official.  He became one of the board members of the International Code Council and an expert on building codes.  He loved his job with Murray City and ICC, traveling all over the United States to make presentations, helping make communities safe, which included the added bonus of meeting the extraordinary people that became some of his best friends.  

Gilbert worked hard and played hard.  He and Kaylana rode their Harley throughout the United States sometimes till their hands froze and their butts were numb; always enjoying the sites and the company of good friends.   

Although Gilbert had only two biological daughters he was a father figure, stable force and teacher to many.  From walking his sister Lydia down the wedding isle, to teaching his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren to fish and enjoy the outdoor as well as how to work hard, be honest and have integrity in whatever you do.  He considered his greatest achievement in life as being a father, grandfather and great grandfather.  All were the light of his life.

Gilbert you are and will always be a driving force in your families life.  Someone we look up to, inspire to be like and remember with respect, love and awe.  You are not a man to be forgotten, but one to be tucked away in our hearts so when we stumble and fall we can remember your advice, encouragement, kick in the butt and disapproving smirk, putting us all in check, getting us standing back up and moving on.  

Gilbert is survived by his wife Kaylana Gonzales, children Maureen (Anthony), Bernadette, Armani and Tarik.  Grandchildren, Joseph, Christopher, Mariah, Shambre, Brylee and Landon. Great grandchildren, JJ,  Aryanna, Dante, and Ky-Mani; mother Alberta, siblings Liddy (Pancho),

Rita (Lanny), and Josie and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.   He is preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Sr. and younger brother Jerry.

A Celebration of Gilbert’s life will be held Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 South 900 East Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building. Family requests that friends come in casual attire.