Gilbert Manuel Maez

Gilbert Maez (80), surrounded by his loved ones, was called to his heavenly in Alta Loma, California, on March 24, 2021.

Gilbert was born on May 30, 1940, in Saguache, Colorado. At age 5, they moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. Gilbert is survived by his 3 sisters, Bena Maez-Hall, Condy Walker, and Rose Moore (Maurice); he also left several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert.

Gilbert graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1958.  Gilbert enlisted in the US Navy from 1958 - 1962 and served on the USS Intrepid.

In 1963 Gilbert met his wife Linda Wells; they married in 1964. Gilbert and Linda moved to Southern California in 1965 and had two daughters, Tracy Maez and Angie Maez-Akins (Shawn). Gilbert has 4 grandchildren, Natalie Maez, Eden Akins, Isabella Akins, Shawn Jr. Akins, and a great-grandson, Cyrus Alexander Ghandy.

Gilbert received a BA in Business Education at Cal State Los Angeles and a Master’s in Counseling at the University of La Verne, California. Gilbert started a doctorate program at the University of La Verne and completed all but his dissertation. Gilbert retired after 35 years working at Valley Community College in 2011. His colleagues respected Gilbert. He was passionate about teaching and counseling and continued to work after his retirement in March of 2020.

Among many accomplishments, he was proudest of his family. Gilbert was a loving, compassionate, kindhearted, devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle.

Those who knew Gilbert recognized his kindhearted warmth, compassion, and humor. This drew people to him, and he made friends with ease. Gilbert will be forever missed by his family, who loved him so much.

Services are being handled by Snyder’s Care Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gilbert Manuel Maez, please visit our floral store.