Gilbert R. Robinson

Gilbert R. Robinson, of Helena, MT, son of Harold C. and Genevieve S. Robinson, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the age of 83 in Deerfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Vera (2016), his brother Stuart (2009), his mother Genevieve (2005), his nephews Stuart Lee (1993) and David McCartney (2022).

Following his graduation from Billings Senior High in 1959, Gilbert enlisted in the Army, where he obtained training certification as a mechanic. Later, he relocated to Las Vegas, NV, to pursue a career as an auto mechanic, where fate led him to his beloved wife. Their love story began when Vera, working as a bookkeeper at the shop, first laid eyes on Gilbert and knew instantly, "I am going to marry him."

Gilbert and Vera exchanged vows in 1970 and settled in Gilbert's hometown of Billings, MT, in 1973. Together, they ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing Billings Foreign Car Service.

With boundless generosity, Gilbert welcomed four of Vera’s children into his life, embracing them as his own and surpassing the role of a stepfather.

In 1983, Gilbert and Vera ventured into the auto parts business in Rapid City, SD, before returning to Bozeman, MT, in 1985, where they built a thriving business from the ground up. Upon retiring in 2015, they relocated to Helena, where Gilbert pursued his passion for mining gold and precious stones, holding multiple claims throughout the Bozeman and Helena areas.

Gilbert's kindness extended to his step-grandchildren, whom he cherished dearly. He created lasting memories, such as witnessing his grandson Louis's first steps, a cherished moment. Adam, one of his grandsons, recalls fond memories of riding a bike equipped with a weed whacker engine, which Gilbert had turned into a motorized bicycle, enjoying long rides in Helena. Gilbert’s hobbies, together with his ingenuity in creating contraptions, provided Adam with cherished memories.

Surviving Gilbert are his sister Cheryl Robinson of Laurel; brother Jack Robinson of Billings; niece Donna (Anthony) Contreraz - Billings; niece Elizabeth Robinson – Bozeman; niece Ingrid Robinson - San Francisco, CA; nephew Doug McCartney (Jessica) - Billings; stepson Cleantes Leite (Rosmari) from Brazil; Clarisse Dodge from York, PA; John Leite from The Woodlands, TX; Vera Zuelsdorf (Paul) from Spring, TX; Pearl Robinson (Jim) from Lake Forest, IL. Additionally, he is survived by various great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces/nephews.

Gilbert will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

A graveside service and burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston on May 2nd at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gilbert Robinson to the Alzheimer’s Association.