Sidney Gilbert

Sidney Swainston Gilbert passed away peacefully on October 14, 2014 in Orem, Utah after living a long and full life. He was born at home on December 24, 1928 in Bancroft, Idaho to James Harris and Jennie Swainston Gilbert-he was the youngest of their 10 children. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from North Gem High School in 1946. Sid attended Brigham Young University for two years before serving as an LDS missionary in the North Central States Mission. In 1950 he returned to continue his studies. His first semester back at school he began dating Joy Lechtenberg, a beautiful young lady he had known from Grace, Idaho. They married in the Logan temple on March 19, 1951. Sid was drafted during the Korean War and served in the U.S. Army for 2 years. In 1954 he graduated from BYU with a degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant. He practiced as a CPA in Provo for nearly 20 years before partnering with Ed Steward in May 1974 to establish Gilbert & Stewart, where he worked until 2007. Sid & Joy purchased their first Orem home in 1957 and built their second home, where their family grew and gathered, in 1965. They were blessed with six children: Kent (Lana) Gilbert, Renae (Andy) Allen, Janet (John) Selck, Lynn (Cindy) Gilbert, James (Shelly) Gilbert and Connie (Loren) Short. Sid was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, five sisters and two brothers. He is survived by two sisters, 26 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren with 5 more on the way. Sid demonstrated his deep love and devotion to his family by tenderly caring for his wife and providing well through his strong work ethic. He unselfishly sacrificed for and served his children, teaching them by word and example. Sid became a father at 24 years old and his last child was born when he was 49. He and Joy actively parented children in their home for over 45 years. Sid was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many callings including bishop and counselor in a stake presidency. He was a man of great faith and a committed disciple of Jesus Christ. All of his service was marked by his strong but quiet and reserved manner. Sid was known by many for his gentle words of encouragement, and loved for his extreme kindness. He was also a generous (and anonymous) benefactor to many charitable causes. His legacy of faith, service and love is reflected in his posterity. Sid was a dedicated professional and well known for his competence, honesty and integrity. He was awarded the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award by the Utah Chapter of CPA's in 2010. But Sid's service to others extended far beyond the traditional role of a CPA. He was committed to taking care of his clients. People came to him, not only for counseling in financial matters, but for his insight and advice in all matters of life. Sid's clients were also his friends. Thanks and appreciation to Roy and Brittany at Hearts for Hospice for their kind service. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sharon 2nd Ward building, 641 S. 400 E. in Orem, Utah. A viewing will be Friday, October 17, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State Street, Orem, Utah, and also Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 at the church.

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