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Thomas Gilbert Obituary
On Wednesday, March 20, 2002 at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. Beloved husband of Jana S. Gilbert; son of Alice Viola Gilbert and Esther Sparling and son of the late William Gilbert and the late James Sparling. Loving father of Natalie and Nolan Gilbert, Thomas Gilbert and Jody Whisenhunt; brother of Alan and Esther Gilbert, Joann and John Eller, Clarence and Cindy Gilbert, William and Anne Gilbert, Jim and Tina Sparling and Tamra and Thomas Fountaine; grandfather of three grandchildren and also survived by 16 nieces and nephews. Friends may visit on Friday, March 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at DEMAINE SPRINGFIELD-ANNANDALE CHAPEL, Backlick and Edsall Rds., Springfield, VA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Rd., Springfield, VA, with interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wakefield Forest School, 4011 Iva Ln., Fairfax, VA 22032 and make checks payable to Wakefield Forest with notation in memo section: Gilbert Educational Fund.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gilbert
Rene Adam
March 16, 2025
Not a day goes by that I don't think about our motorcycle trips... sure miss you brother!
Rene Adam
March 16, 2025
Not a day that goes by that I don't think about our motorcycle road trips...
miss
Rene
March 16, 2023
Still miss you dearly!
Rene Adam
March 16, 2022
Still miss you brother!!!
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Rene
March 17, 2021
I sure miss our raw oysters nights at Grevys and our king motorcycle rides...
Tina Sparling
May 20, 2002
My Dearest Jana, Natalie and Nolan,
As you read all of these loving thoughts you can see how many lives Gil had touched! Everyone, including the three of you, have such wonderful MEMORIES!! This is what will get you through these hard times! There is not one memory of Gill I have that does not bring a SMILE to my face!! The love for his family was ENDLESS! There are so many people in this world that have never been loved, how empty life must be for them. Our lives our full, we are loved :-) Gil's love for the three of you shall always be, it will never end! As will his spirit, you do see him everywhere. He lives through each of you, your kindness, your smiles and your love for each other! None of us will ever forget "Gil"! What an AWESOME man! He truly lived his life to the fullest with a smile always on his face! My heart and all my love go out to the three of you! I am here for you always! I may not see you as much as I should, but please if you ever need me, I will be there!!!!!!!
I love you three so very much......
May God Bless you and hold you in the palm of his hand always-
Your loving Sister and Aunt, Tina............
Cheryl Bushey
April 21, 2002
It takes time for sadness to go away. Almost everyone thinks they won't feel normal again, but the
human spirit is amazing and the heart almost always does heal after
awhile. Loving memories of you dear
husband will keep him with you always in your heart. May those
memories bring you comfort and help
ease your sadness.
Love you, Cheryl
Steve Everett
April 21, 2002
Daer Jana, Natalie and Nolan
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time in your life. Your husband and father was the best, remember all the happy and good times you all shared together, these will always be so dear to you. I think about you all daily, will talk to you soon.
Love ya,
Steve
TJ Fountaine
April 20, 2002
As I think about Gil, I realize more each day, how blessed we all were to have had him in our lives. Although not related by blood, Gil was my brother. He was also my friend. We have shared so much through the years, and I am grateful for the time that I had to spend with Gil. I am also very sad that this time was so short.
Gil touched so many lives, and it was wonderful to see the outpouring of sympathy and support from all of Gils friends and colleagues at the funeral. He was a truly remarkable man with endless energy and a heart as big as the universe. He was genuinely concerned for the well being of everyone before himself. He was a man who truly loved his family. He was so proud of Natalie and Nolan, and made sure that he could share in their activities. He will continue to watch over them from heaven.
He was a man of honor, integrity and wit. I wish we could all be more like Gil.
His passing has left a whole in our hearts and in our in lives that will never be filled, though his spirit will live on in each of us who knew him. As I said many times over the past month, we all have our “Gil” favorite stories, and there are so many. As we recall these stories and our memories of Gil, each and every time, it brings a smile to our face.
Life is full of turns and twists, and we are never sure where it will lead us next. It is truly an adventure to be embraced and enjoyed and explored to its fullest. This is how Gil lived his life. Yet, even as we do this, there are too many times when the events in our lives turn against us and lead us in a direction that we never intended, nor that we would choose on our own. We cannot explain these things, but we must trust in God that He care for us, as he takes care of those that go before us. Jana, Natalie and Nolan, you will have the grace of God and love your family and many friends to help and guide you. One of the true legacies that Gil has left us is the love of family and friends and the enjoyment of life. We will always be here to support you and help you carry on. We will always cherish our memories of Gil and to live the legacy of love and caring that he has given us. What a truly special gift Gil has been for us all.
May God bless you and guide through this valley.
With all my love.
Cindy Gilbert
April 20, 2002
Jana, Natalie and Nolan, Our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers, our love are continually with you. We have all lost so much. Please know we are here for you, we need each other, that's what family is for. And no one lived that more than your husband and father and our brother. We love you very much. We'll see you soon. love, Bud & Cindy
Karen Shear
April 19, 2002
Dearest Jana:
I knew and loved Gil for over 25 years. From our first meeting when you and he were friends, to the time he wore that white suit when we were on the town in Old Town, to the parties at the town house, to being in your wedding, to the endless games of pinochle in Palm Beach when he burned the bottom of his feet at the beach, to the concert we dragged him to so that we could have fun, to all the joyful times we shared and for all the family and Christmas celebrations over all these years- he was indeed very special to me. I am honored to count him my friend. As I am honored to count you my friend and blessed to be accepted and embraced by you and your family for all these years.
I can close my eyes and Gil's smile instantly comes into my mind. I can see him quite clearly, grinning that special grin he always had. He was warm, funny, honest and loving and such a special person that words cannot do him justice. When you see all the people who have told you how special he was to them, when you see the children he coached pay tribute to him, and when you realize that his friends, colleagues, admirers and family members are in the hundreds, you know that Gil accomplished what all of us hope to accomplish in our lives. He made a difference and he will continue to make a difference in all the lives of those that knew and loved him. I am blessed that I am one.
I love you all and know how proud you, Natalie and Nolan are. Like Gil you also make a difference every day.
All my love, Karen
Ann Gilbert
April 19, 2002
Dear Jana,
No one knows the heaviness your heart holds, hopefully you can take comfort in all the beautiful memories you shared. You shared your life together and you shared your love. These memories will always be cherished and the emptiness in your heart will someday be filled with gentle peace. I know at this time, words are so inadequate and your feeling so overwhelmed, I just wanted to express my sympathy to you, Natalie and Nolan.
Love, Ann
Craig Everett
April 18, 2002
Jana, Natalie and Nolan
Gil was one of a kind. The BEST kind. The times we shared were too
few, but he always made me feel as
if we had known each other forever.
I will miss him as well as everyone
whom he touched. As a husband and a
father you were very blessed. I send
my love to all of you and wish I could have been there with you.
All my love and prayers are with you, Craig
Susan Hucks
April 18, 2002
I am so thankful for having had the privilege of getting to know my Uncle in the adult years of my life. He emulated the adage,"live and let live". I aspire to have that kind of tolerance in my life for all humankind. This trait was illustrated in his warmth, his smile and his hugs-just a couple of the things that I loved most about him. He will be missed but memories cherished. My prayers and "positive energy" to my Aunt Jana, Natalie and Nolan. We love you dearly-Susan, Joe, Kara, & Jesse
brenten gilbert
April 17, 2002
i know this is coming at the tail end of this guestbook, but words are often hard to form. Most of my thoughts have transpired on my website but i wanted to remind you, Aunt Jana, Natalie, and Nolan, that we are here when you need love and support. We love you . . . brent and ruth gilbert.
Joe & Betty Bryant Gemmell
April 17, 2002
Dear Jana:
Many years ago, our mutual friend, Jim Ryan, told us that life is full of peaks and valleys. You, as one of my best friends, helped me traverse some difficult valleys. Betty and I stand ready to help in any way we can to enable you, Natalie, and Nolan climb, with God's help, your next peak in this life. We are as close as a telephone call always. Love - Joe & Betty
Mark and Pam Perez
April 16, 2002
Jana,
Gil was a great friend, and we miss him more than can be expressed. We're fortunate to have so many great memories of 'The Gil' - his ever present smile and endless jokes, watching the kids play sports, vacationing at the beach, just hanging out and playing cards. None of this will be the same without Gilbert, but we are grateful to have been his friends, and we are blessed and thankful to have you all in our lives. Our love and prayers are with you,
Pam and Mark
Jim Singerling
April 15, 2002
Jana, Natalie and Nolan
As these days turn into weeks, you will find ways of entering the next chapters in your lives. Although life does not allow us to write each chapter of our lives, it does allow us to remember and cherish the previous chapters. You are all blessed to know that the hundreds of friends who paid their respects to you during these past few weeks will remain with you for the rest of your lives. May you draw some comfort from knowing how much we all remain ready to support each of you in any way you wish. You need only ask.
Warm personal regards,
Molly Jim, Abigail and Hannah Singerling
Bill Gilbert
April 11, 2002
Dearest Jana, Natalie, and Nolan.
Whenever we went our separate ways, whether it was a phone call or travel departure, we always said, "I love you". I'm so glad we said that.
God has, and will continue to provide each of you with friends and family that surround you with love and support, always.
Thankyou for loving my Brother and making him happy.
"I love you". See you soon.
Bill
David Gilbert
April 5, 2002
It was such an inspiration to see how many people came out to pay their respects to my Uncle Tom. What a wonderful legacy to have touched so many lives and been loved by so many. I can think of no greater reward in life than that. Although I only hold a few memories of my uncle due to the distances between us, I will always remember him with great fondness and a sense of pride for all he accomplished while he was with us on Earth. My love and prayers go to Aunt Jana, Natalie, Nolan, Tom and Jodi to face the days ahead. Let your memories comfort you and smile every time you think of him.
Your nephew and cousin,
David Gilbert
Jim Sparling
April 3, 2002
The man I embraced as brother was a good and decent person with high moral principles. He loved his wife and children unconditionally and genuinely enjoyed the times together with family and friends. We all have those special moments to cherish, share in the loss of Gil, and will miss him. Some wounds never heal, but are accommodated as time goes on. Without doubt, Gil's spirit lives. Jana, Natalie, and Nolan will feel his strength and guidance and will always be in his presence. Love never dies. Gil left this world a better place by his actions and we should be dedicated to doing what Gil did - love, share, and make a difference.
To my sister, with love and support always,
Jim
Uncle Jack and Aunt Bev Sparling
April 3, 2002
Dearest Jana and family, You know our hearts are with you always. We are so far away and don't get to visit but old times will never be forgotten. We love you dearly.
Uncle Jack and Aunt Bev
Jackie and Darrell Gilbert
April 2, 2002
Aunt Jana, Natalie and Nolan,
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to you. Though we only see you once a year, you are all very special to us and we feel this great loss. Uncle Tom was a special man who will be sadly missed. The love you share as a family will help you get through this difficult time.
Love to all of you,
Jackie, Darrell, Matthew, Andrew and Alexa
Jodi Gilbert Whisenhunt
April 2, 2002
Just when I thought the tears had stopped flowing, I found this tribute. Dad, I can't believe you're not a phone call away anymore. Words will never be sufficient to express my love for you. You've always had a very, very special place in my heart, and there you will reside now. To Jana, Natalie, Nolan & Tom, my thoughts and prayers are always with you. Although Dad is gone from this earth, you will never walk alone. I love you all, Jodi
Carolyn Everett
April 1, 2002
Dear Jana, Natalie, and Nolan,
You know how much I love all three of you and I will miss Gil very much. His kindness to me, when I visited in Virgina, created a special place in my heart that will never be filled by anyone else.
You are a special Niece to me and I want you to know that God will be with you each step of the difficult road you now must walk with out your Gil. Look into your heart and you will find the courage to take each day, every day, one day at a time.
I am only as far away as a phone call my dear Jana. I love you very, very much.
Aunt Care
Esther Sparling
April 1, 2002
My dearest daughter Jana and my two precious grandchildren, Natalie and Nolan ~
My unspoken words of caring and my silent prayers for all of you come from within my heart. Hoping it will give you strength and peace and great love for each other. I hope your memories will warm your heart and bring you much comfort.
Love you all very much ~
Mom and MeeMaw
deb rowley
March 30, 2002
Dearest Jana, Natalie, and Nolan,
Words are inadequate to express our sorrow at your loss. Gil was such a special person, his light will shine on in all your lives! Our thougts and prayers are with you.
2 Cor 4:18
All our love,
Deb & Michael
Rene Adam
March 28, 2002
My Friend GIL
I’ll miss you!!!
Our schedules have kept us from doing our standard Friday night oysters
Or lazy, cold bike rides to Deep Creek.
But, the memories will always be there!
You have gone to the land of the bottomless Fosters
Where the oysters are always in season
Where the bugs don’t cover your helmet shield
And the cold doesn’t ride up your pant legs.
I will continue to drink Fosters
But, it won’t be as cold as it was with you!
I’ll still eat raw oysters
But, they won’t taste the same anymore!
I don’t think I’ll take the bike to Deep Creek, though
…that, I’m afraid my friend, will be difficult…
Because I’ll miss you!
God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can
And wisdom to know the difference!!!
Your friend and soul mate, forever…
René
Diane Gilbert-Johnson
March 28, 2002
Dear Aunt Jana, Natalie, and Nolan,
Please know that although we weren't able to be with you physically, you were all in our thoughts and prayers during this truly difficult time.
We love you all and are truly going to miss Uncle Tom.
Love,
Diane, Brian, Nathan, Christopher, and Brett Johnson
Adam Fountaine
March 27, 2002
Aunt Jana, Natalie, Nolan--
Uncle Gil's memory will live on with me forever. No matter what was going on, he always delivered a smile, whether giving me a new nickname, or just telling jokes. He will be sincerely remembered by all of his friends and his family. He was a one and only, we loved him so much. My heart goes out for you, God will get you through it.
With all my love and heart,
Adam
Sue Fountaine
March 27, 2002
Dear Jana and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Gil's death. You and your children and your whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers during these days and weeks to come.
Grace and peace,
Sue Fountaine
Matt Fountaine
March 27, 2002
Words will only belittle the meaning of how we feel through this loss. I love you and you're in my heart, as Uncle Gil is, more now than ever. Natalie, Nolan and Aunt Jana, my heart goes out to you with all my love.
Always with love,
Matt
Tim Everett
March 27, 2002
My Dearest Cousin Jana, Please know that my heart feels your pain and sorrow and only time will lessen it. Gill will always be with you. Just have faith in the Lord and he will provide you the strength and courage you need. Love to you and the kids
Tim
Patti Sparling Dennis
March 26, 2002
Dearest Jana and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. I know Gil will always be in your hearts and minds. I know how truely blessed your lives have been together.
The Lord blesses us with loving friends and family. Celebrate Gil's life... and remember the Lord watches over those who love Him.Ps145:20
We love you all very much and keep you in our prayers.
Patti, Phillip, and Alex
Larry DeBeau
March 26, 2002
Dearest Jana,
Any words I write can never express the sadness I feel for you and your family. Gil was a wonderful husband and father and his memory will remain with you until you join him in that magnificient place we visualize as heaven. I'm sure your Aunt Millie has greeted him by now.
God be with you now and always!
Love, Uncle Larry
Tammy Fountaine
March 25, 2002
WE LOVE YOU ALL and we miss our Gil terribly. :`(
I know though, he will never be far from the ones he loved. He will guide you and love you every day of your life . . until you meet again.
I love you with every bit of my heart.
Your sister, Tammy.
Pat Patterson
March 25, 2002
Dear Jana and Family, I want to share my sympathies with you during these saddest of days. I never got to know Gil personally, but he must have been very special to have captured your heart. My prayers are with you.
Jane Hernandez
March 24, 2002
Jana, I am so sorry to read of your husband's death. Please know that you and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. I am in Cancun and this is the best way to convey my sympathy to you.
Robert Luria
March 23, 2002
He was one of the best! A person worthy of emulation and a true friend, I know that Gil will be missed for years to come by all who knew him. My heartfelt sympathies to his entire family.
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