Kenneth Gilbert

Kenneth Gilbert

Kenneth Gilbert of Boyne City resided for many summers on his boat at Mackinac Island's marina, where he and his wife, Kathryn, made many Island friends and were active in the activities at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Mr. Gilbert died Sunday, November 26, 2006, at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey at the age of 78.

He was born June 15, 1928, in Frankfort to Garland and Elsie (nee Kibbey) Gilbert.

He married Kathryn L. Penfold in Frankfort September 16, 1951, and served as a Army corporal during the Korean War.

Mr. Gilbert was graduated from Central Michigan University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, then taught fifth grade in Boyne City and served as principal of Morgan-Shaw School. He joined Courter, Inc. in 1962, became a partner, then retired in 1988 as industrial relations manager.

He enjoyed cruising and racing his sailboat and was a founder of the Boyne City Yacht Club, serving as commodore for four years. With his family and dog, Brecon, he enjoyed many summers cruising the Great Lakes, later earning his Great Lakes Captain's license. He also liked to golf, read, and cook.

Mr. Gilbert was member of the First Congregational Church in Charlevoix.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, of Boyne City; two daughters and their families, Laurie and Bill Haggard of Charlevoix and Jayne Gilbert of Boyne City; a son and his family, Thomas and Amy Gilbert of Cincinnati; five grandchildren, Erin, Laurie, and Colin Ford and Meghan and Alexis Gilbert; three greatgrandchildren, Sullivan and Sidney Bogart and Eliza Ford; a sister, Lorayne Case of Frankfort, and a sister-in-law, Alma House of Frankfort.

A grandson, David Ryan Ford, preceded him in death.

Services were Friday, December 1, at the First Congregational Church in Charlevoix with the Reverend Mary Willis officiating.

Burial was at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Boyne City.