It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Roy Gilbert, 89, formerly of Springhill, and now of Amherst, on July 30, 2016 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

Ken began working full time at the young age of fifteen.  After being rejected by the army because of his young age, he returned to Springhill in 1941, to find full time employment in the Springhill Coal Mines.  It was his misfortune to be trapped in the 1956 Mine Explosion.  We were blessed that he survived.  Another long time career was as a Correctional Officer for twenty-one years where he was well respected.

Ken could do anything he set his mind to and encouraged his family that they could do the same.  He was an avid gardener and a jack-of-all-trades and set a great example for his entire family.

Ken was always a loving and devoted husband and father, a cherished grandfather, and a dear friend to all the lives he touched.

He loved nature, and had a great concern for the environment and the future of all of our children.  He spent many years teaching his children and grandchildren to live respectfully and true to themselves.

He was so loved by his family and they were so blessed to have had such a special person guiding them.

Ken will be sadly missed by his wife of sixty-seven years, Marjorie (nee Davis); their five children, Debbie Berry, Moncton, Robert (Bev) Gilbert, Amherst, Kathryn (Embert) Doyle, Sackville, NB, David (Kim) Gilbert, Mono, ON, and Gary (Marguerit) Gilbert, Moncton, NB, as well as sixteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren, plus one more due in August.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill (902-597-2361) from where a time of visitation will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 1 pm until the time of the funeral at 2 pm.  Rev. Wayne McCarther officiating

Donations in memory of Ken may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Ken's online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H. Brown Funeral Home Facebook Page.