Mr. Ronald L. Gilbert, 72, of Potsdam passed away on September 21st at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Cindy, and family. He was under the care of Hospice after a year-long courageous battle with cancer. There will be no calling hours. A private family service will be held on Saturday at the Garner Funeral Service with a burial to follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam. Pastor Scott Daby will be officiating the services.

Ron was born January 19, 1939 in Parishville, to Isaac and Ethel (Stone) Gilbert. He was predeceased by four brothers, Willard, Walter, Gordon and Lyndon; and is survived by two brothers, Dean of Saranac Lake and Dale of Ogdensburg.

Ron is also survived by his wife, Cindy (LaShomb) Gilbert. Ron found true love and happiness with Cindy and they recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on September 12, 2011.

Additional survivors include three sons and one daughter, Timothy Gilbert and his wife, Tracy of Canton, Ike Gilbert and his wife, Hope of Hannawa Falls, Tammy Hoyt and her husband, and Gary of Potsdam and Lyndon Gilbert and his wife, April of Potsdam. grandchildren include, Joshua and his wife, Eniko, Jesse and Torri Gilbert, Tonya, Andrew and Ronnie Gilbert, Gary Jr., Justin and Eric Hoyt and Destiny and Alexa Gilbert; a nephew, who was more like a son, Scott Gilbert and his wife Donna of Colton and their children Kendra and Kelsi; and several nieces and nephews.

Ron resided his entire life in the North Country. He worked for Tree Preservation for a short period before beginning his career with Niagara Mohawk. Ron retired from Niagara Mohawk in 1995 after 27 years of service. He was a foreman of a tree crew.

One of Ron’s biggest hobbies was work. He kept busy spending every moment he could outdoors or at his woodlot. Ron enjoyed the challenge of cutting down a tree, observing wildlife and teaching his children and grandchildren all he knew. He often stated he found peace in the woods. Ron had an avid fascination for wolverines and bald eagles. He also enjoyed watching westerns, CNN, Clint Eastwood movies and NASCAR.

Ron had a witty personality, oftentimes cracking jokes and teasing his children and grandchildren. A visit with Ron always consisted of a “remember when” story from the good ‘ole days. He had an extremely kind and generous heart and was a special husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle who will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Ron’s memory to The Wolverine Foundation, Inc. 9450 South Blackcat Road, Kuna, ID 83634-1118, Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam, NY 13676 or to the Potsdam Animal Shelter, 17 Madrid Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676. Condolences online can be sent at www.garnerfh.com.