And on the Eighth Day God Created A Farmer…

Don William Gilbert, 86, passed away April 9, 2016 in Preston, Idaho. Don was born March 14, 1930 in Grace, Idaho to Guy Wilford and Inez Trappett Gilbert.

He was raised in Turner, Beaver Dams and surrounding areas. He played basketball and football for Grace High School. He graduated in 1948 and attended Idaho State for a short time. He married Dolores Ann Clegg on October 15, 1948. In the fall of 1949, Don began working for a short time for Utah Power and Light, but his life's dream was to be a farmer and be his own boss. The next spring they began renting property around the valley and in American Falls. He and Dolores bought their first farm in 1956 from Leo Bennett. They have lived on this farm ever since, expanding it to become a legacy to pass onto future generations. They enjoyed over 67 years together.

Don was active in the water protection program in the Gem Valley over 26 years. He served on numerous canal boards. He served on the Last Chance Canal Board for over 26 years, 18 of which he was President. He served as President of the Last Chance when the Last Chance Hydro Electric Plant was built in 1981 and was Project Manager overseeing its construction. Don was appointed by two Governors of Idaho to the Bear River Compact Commission serving three terms. He served as Vice Chairman for several years and secretary for one year. He was also active in District 11. In 1986, he accepted the award for the Last Chance Canal Company receiving the Water Guardian Organization Award from the Idaho Water Association. Don was inducted into the Idaho Water User's Hall of Fame in 1987.

Don enjoyed hunting with his family and friends, especially the Lochsa River area going there from 1956 to 1997. He was an expert fly fisherman. Don loved traveling, his favorite trip being to the Holy Land. A highlight for him was creating memories with his family and spending time with friends. Don had an exceptional sense of humor, telling jokes and playing tricks on others was a big part of his life. He has been active in the community for his entire life.

He is survived by his wife Dolores of Grace, son Richard (Christine) Gilbert of Grace, and three daughters Christine (Jackie)Toomer of Ferron, Utah, Cindy (George) Boughan of Green Valley, Arizona and DeAnn Simonich of Clearfield, Utah. He has 15 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 5 great, great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Noon at the Grace LDS Stake Center with a viewing 10:00 am to 11:30 am. A viewing will also be held at the Grace LDS Stake Center Friday, April 15th from 6 pm to 8 pm. Burial will be in the Grace Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Sims Funeral Home.

Don's family would like to thank Heritage Home and Access/Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Don over the last few years.

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