Ronald Joseph Gilbert

CANAAN – Ronald Joseph Gilbert, son of the late Raymond and Delores Gilbert, passed away on Thanksgiving Day at Togus Springs Augusta Maine Veterans Hospice Unit. Elaine Nelson, his companion of 30yrs, and his daughters Michelle, Monica, and Mindy were all by his side during his battle with prostate cancer. Ronald was born May 20, 1940 in Skowhegan. He was the oldest of two children and a graduate of Skowhegan Area High School.

Ron proudly joined the United States Navy in March of 1962 honorably serving a 30+ year career as A Senior Chief Petty Officer. Finishing his military service in the Augusta Naval Reserves, Ron also worked towards his retirement as a pipefitter with Scott Paper/SD. Warren. He was recognized in both careers as an outstanding employee, receiving in the USN Good Conduct Awards and the National Defense Service Medal. He also completed a Nuclear Power Plant Operators Course, Welding School, and Instructor/ Leadership classes.

Ron also was a long-standing member of the Skowhegan/Madison Elks Lodge #2531 where he enjoyed bringing his children and grandchildren to annual holiday gatherings.

He also loved his Canaan community and his ongoing early morning ritual of congregating outside the store, coffee in hand, with “The Guys” at the Canaan Superette.

Ron was an easy, simple man that loved and lived life his own way. He loved his family and was always there for them. He was an avid hunter, camper, and Maine sportsmen who appreciated every aspect of the outdoors. His favorite place to connect with nature was his camp built by his father on Wyman Pond in Brighton, Maine.

Ron met the mother of his three girls Sharon Quinn in 1959 and were married for 30 years. He and his family were stationed in many places including Rota, Spain. Together as a family they traveled, camped, and frequented many family gatherings. Ron always thought of Maine as his home base regardless of where the US Navy sent him.

Years later, Ron settled in Canaan with his long-time companion Elaine Nelson. They enjoyed their days in their camper, traveling and quiet times together at home with their dogs Daisy, Pebbles, and cat Lacy. He thought the world of her boys Randy, Kevin & Ford Nelson and their families. They all camped together annually at Balsam Woods Campground in Abbott.

Ron was predeceased by his parents and beloved father Harold Olson. He is survived by his sister Joan Gilbert of Florida; his children Michelle (Arvid) Robbins of Skowhegan, Monica (Jeffrey) Beach of Fairfield, and Mindy Gilbert of Skowhegan; his grandchildren Molly and Maggie Robbins of Skowhegan, Megan (Tyler) Cohen of Windham, Les Marcue and Lisa Hunt of Norridgewock, and Kelsie (James) Albano of North Carolina, Mandy Beach of Florida, and Lindy Gilbert of Skowhegan; great-grandchildren June and Layne Cohen, and Adeline and Evelyn Albano.

A special thank you for the outstanding care our dad received at Togus Springs VA hospice unit. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Maine’s Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta on Dec. 10, 2021 at 10 a.m., 163 Mt Vernon Rd Augusta ME 04330.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, please send donation in Ron’s name to: American Cancer Society Maine Chapter

Box 350

Westbrook ME 04092 or

Togus VA Medical Center Hospice Unit

ATTN: Voluntary Services.

1 VA Center

Augusta ME 04330


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