Robert Walter Gilbert

Robert Walter Gilbert, Jr., 50, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2019 at his home in Union Pier, Michigan. Rob fought his two-year battle with cancer with positivity, courage, humor and grace. He chose to be joyful about the amazing life he lived and focus on the memories he could still create with those who loved him. His final days were spent smiling and laughing surrounded by his loving wife, family and friends. Rob was born on July 19, 1968 in Havertown, PA to Bob and Linda (Pflieger) Gilbert. He grew up in Libertyville, IL attending Libertyville High School, Northern Illinois University and Loyola University. Along the way Rob collected lifelong friends to whom he was devoted - playing cards with many of them even through this year. After earning his masters, he lived in Chicago where he met and married his wife, Stacy, in 2001. They built their final home together near the beaches of Lake Michigan in 2016. Rob was the consummate host, who never let a drink be empty or a guest be lonely. Rob loved his life even once he knew his journey would end way too soon. Rob continued to work until the last days of his life at a job he loved at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He loved to travel -- his favorite place being the Tuscan hills of Italy. He loved sunsets. He was an avid scuba diver traveling the world where he spent countless hours under the water with whale sharks, mantas and the most exotic sea life he could find. He was a diehard Cubs fan. Rob was generous and charitable to those who knew him and those who did not. He was passionate about animal rights, supporting them with his generosity and advocacy. He and his wife fostered countless homeless dogs, finding them homes and adopting a few along the way. More than anything he loved spending time with his cherished pups, friends and family. In a word, Rob was perfect. It really was a wonderful life - a life well lived. At Rob’s request, no funeral or service will be held. Celebrations of his wonderful life will be planned. Until then, please raise a glass to celebrate our time with him. We know that would mean the world to our husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, Rob. Rob’s mother Linda Gilbert preceded him in death. Rob is survived by his wife of 18 years, Stacy Thomas and his beloved dogs Darby and Scout; father Robert, Sr.; three sisters – Susan (Scott) Sharp, Barbara (Israel) Brown, and Jackie (Keith) Manssen; ten nieces and nephews – Jennifer Sharp, Robert (Beth) Sharp, Kevin Sharp, Michael Sharp, Patrick Sharp, Kellie Sharp, Reid Brown, Amanda Manssen, Paige Manssen and Ella Manssen; he is also survived by his wife’s loving parents, brothers, nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel – 15 N. Barton Street, New Buffalo, MI. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Rob’s passion for helping homeless animals, please consider a donation to one of his favorite rescues or foundations: Alive Rescue, Chicago, IL www.aliverescue.org Michiana Humane Society, Michigan City, IN www.michianahumanesociety.org Soi Dog Foundation, Phuket, Thailand www.soidog.org