Obituary of Sam Gilbey

Proudly in his 91st year Clifton Everett “SAM” Gilbey departed this life peacefully on October 26th at Medley Hall, Shannex, Fredericton North. 

Born May 15th 1933 to John Samuel and Pearl Edwina (Crouse) Gilbey. His mother died shortly after his birth. Dad was raised by his immediate family as an infant and would rejoin his father and step mother Margaret Irene (Beck) as a toddler and soon became a big brother to sisters Ann and Sandra while growing up in Devon. 

At a young age Sam decided to toss his school books (literally over a bridge) and start working to help the family household.  He delivered groceries for Urquhart Grocery for 7 years only to meet his true love Florence Julia Gill on one of those chance deliveries. They married in 1954 and built their forever home on Union St in Devon. Blessed with 3 children Dale,Lynn and Danny. 

Sam had a great opportunity to give up the grocery deliveries for an office job as Messenger at the Royal Bank on Queen St. He proudly wore a suit and tie to work for 35 years. He was today’s version of the Brinks truck as he transported money from bank to bank most often on foot , alone and  garnering a hand gun just in case. Thankfully never having to use it. 

For fun he picked up bartending and chauffeuring many bank executives when in town. Oh the stories he would tell.  Always taking the bank executives to his log cabin in the woods for a day of fun each year. Many of the executives having never gotten their shoes dirty before would burst in excitement in going back the next year; a day out in natures best surroundings. 

Sam was a true outdoorsman and built his little log cabin in Maugerville to go snowmobiling four wheeling and hunting every year. He claims he shot 38 deer in Maugerville leaving little to none for his boys to shoot as they grew into the sport. This year his grandsons Christian and Jonathan got a moose out near the camp and brought the antlers to his nursing home for him to see. He smiled from ear to ear. Fishing was another fond sport which he made many trips to a spot called Peaked Mountain up north in the province. 

Summers were spent at their little slice of paradise called Scotchtown, Douglas Harbour Grand Lake. Some of their best friendships were formed there and us kids lived our best lives each summer with family and friends; BBQs , campfires ,boating ,seadooing ,waterskiing, swimming and playing horseshoes. Wonderful memories. 

Retirement and grandkids would later ease Sam and Florence into a more quiet phase in life although you would often see dad walking up Union St getting his exercise on the daily basis and canvassing for the Canadian Cancer Society being a survivor himself.  Following moms passing a shift was made for some extra care when dad moved into Paradise Villa in Douglas. He lived there for 5 yrs and was fortunate to have his sister Ann live there with him for 4 yrs before she passed.  They cherished their daily chats together.  Needing more care dad made a move to Shannex Medley Hall in early 2024 still calling the Northside home and proud to be from Devon. 

Dad celebrated his 90th bday in May 2023 and was thrilled to see so many relatives and longtime friends. Call it a living visitation if you will and one he was very happy about especially at the ripe age of 90. He was proud to be the oldest living Gilbey still here. He never dreamed he’d make it to 91 yet he did last May. 

Now to wrap things up with the formalities dad was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 63 years, Florence “Gillie” and two sisters Ann (Walter) Cameron and Sandra (Brian) Burtt. Still here to continue the legacy are his children ,Dale (Maxine)Gilbey, Lynn (Rick) Gallagher and Danny (Nicki) Gilbey; chosen daughter Brenda (Marc) Paradis who visited him often with love and a sweet treat; 6 grandchildren , Darci, Jonathan, Ashlyn, Christian, James and Jeremy along with all their families; 7 great grandchildren who made him sparkle; Ryan, Jacob, Ben, Ember, Sawyer, Jaxon and Ayla; also cousins, nieces and nephews will continue on the Gilbey legacy. 

Oh it must be time for Happy Hour somewhere by now. That would bring a smile to dad’s face. Find your happy hour and make a toast to Sam and laugh and cherish all the wonderful memories of a life well lived. 

Special thanks to staff at Paradise Villa and Shannex Medley Hall during his time living there. He certainly made a mark on both homes and will be fondly remembered. 

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on October 30th 7-9pm at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton. A Private Graveside Service will be held at St. Mary's Anglican Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations made to Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.

Dad always appreciated seeing family and friends who came to visit him over the years. He’d always send you along your way with a handshake and saying…. “Thanks a lot for coming.”

You will be dearly missed dad.