Gilbert Celestino Valdez was born to parents Adrian and Patsy Valdez in Maxwell, New Mexico. In his early years, Gilbert travelled throughout Colorado with his family who worked as migrant farmers, and he attended high school in Fort Lupton, CO.

The Navy was a very important part of Gilbert's life, and he would always talk about how much he loved the time he spent serving his country while also getting the chance to see the world. He served with honor and integrity for four years on active duty, and another two years in the Navy reserves. While at port in San Francisco, he met his future wife, Dorothy, and Fell in love. He would later take Dorothy's hand in marriage in Reno, NV.

Gilbert's military service was exceptional in many ways. He served three combat tours on the deck of the USS Oriskany (an aircraft carrier known as the "Mighty O" by her crew) during the Vietnam War and throughout the pacific theater. He had many duties, but a majority of his time was spent working on the aircraft of Carrier Wing 16 and refueling fighter planes, one of which was piloted by then Lieutenant Commander John McCain. The Oriskany's Air Wing 16 served over 9,500 missions during the Vietnam War, and Gilbert was there serving with her for a majority of them. He was honorably discharged from service in November of 1970, having achieved the grade of E-3 as a Seaman. During service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, one Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, two Vietnam Service Medals, one Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, one Meritorious Unit Commendation, and one Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). The carrier on which he served was retired in 1999, but continued service as an artificial reef beginning in 2006.

After his service, he moved with Dorothy throughout Colorado, from Boulder, to Lasalle and Greeley before settling in Fort Morgan.

Gilbert had a passion for auto body work, and he made it both his career and his hobby. He worked for Dodge in Greeley and Curtis Chevrolet in Brush. He also worked in beef plants in Sterling, Denver, Greeley, and again Fort Morgan, but kept working on cars all the while.

Gilbert had a profound love for the outdoors that was almost as great as his love for the sea. He loved to camp and go fishing, and he would cultivate and care for his own garden each year. He was a great chef who loved to barbecue, and he made especially good ribs and roast chiles. His favorite music was classic country western and Mexican music, and both could be heard as he cooked outside on the grill. His favorite football team was the Kansas City Chiefs, and he rarely missed a game.

Gilbert was the world to his son, Adrian. In recent days he had been spending time with his son behind the house in the garage, teaching his son everything he knew about the trade of auto body repair.

Gilbert leaves behind his loving wife, Dorothy, his son Adrian, his daughters, Aliza Bellis, Felicity Valdez, Celeste Westbay, and Christina Valdez, his four brothers and three sisters, his grandchildren Thomas, Chyna, Sally, Dottie, Lavinia, Edwin, Carolann, Alicia, Isaac, Joell, Chanel, Charles and Willow, and his great-grandchildren Gilbert, Adrian, Hazel, Stanley, Phoenix, Jacy, Zeyden, Zoey, William, Alethea, Tino, Soriano, and Dazaneah.


Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, Adrian and Patsy Valdez, his brother James "Pinky" Valdez, and two of his sisters.


A brave and honest man, Gilbert will be missed dearly.