By james art
Brad Evan Gilbert
OBITUARY
Brad Gilbert left this earth on Saturday, October 12th. We like to think he took off on his fall mountain bike ride with Grateful Dead tunes blasting through his headphones, and this time he was in the heavens above and free of the brain disease that had plagued him and his family for the past four years and a half. Brad was a man of humor, adventure, courage and generosity. Brad was a man who loved literature and the written word. He was curious about the world of adventure and loved professional sports. He liked to read novels. Reading about this disease helped Brad find a path that gave him some hope. He bravely participated in critical genetic research to help find a cure for frontotemporal dementia and at the end of his life donated his remains to this research. It was in keeping with Brad’s character – to see something through, not half-ass, as he would say, and help someone else in need. Although it was painful to watch this rapid decline of a very carefree, athletic, scholarly and vibrant man, we are reminded that Brad lived a very full life, doing it while you can, and his lifestyle provides a reflection of what it really matters, every day. Brad always said, “I am so blessed and grateful that this day is possible.” He was grateful to have shaped and mastered the work-life-love balance that allowed him to enjoy his passions in his 30s. 40s and 50s. He really made it look so simple and possible. He never regrets or complains about what he could have done or should have done. He leaves a legacy of life lessons and appreciation to his son Miles Duran Gilbert and Brad’s life partner, Benita Duran. They have traveled with him on this long journey and are relieved to have survived his personal battle with this disease. Brad built a business and contributed to Boulder’s film and media community in many ways, primarily through People Productions, a multimedia production house that he owned and operated in Boulder for over 25 years. While a business owner and operator, Brad was also known as the gluten-free snowboarder who survived a 1,000-foot avalanche and the friend who could be counted on to hit fresh powder and first runs with fellow adventurers. He was the one who counted every weekday in Colorado, Canada and Alaska by helicopter or hatchback. Brad easily made friends with many people in Boulder at pickup basketball, Grass Roots Ultimate Frisbee and the beloved Deadhead Concerts. Treasured moments for him during his 40 years in Boulder. Brad was born in New York and grew up across the bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey. He ventured from Ft Lee HS to Amherst College (Class of 1981) and found his way to Boulder while visiting cousin Karen. He met a girl from Colorado through a City volunteer project, and they were attracted, as opposites often are, married, then divorced, but stayed together, with two houses for one son in the same neighborhood. They traveled together every year, shared food, dogs, holidays, lots of laughs and no regrets. Brad is also survived by his loving brother Paul Gilbert, Paul’s dear wife Wendy; his daughter-in-law Alison and four nephews (Jason, Amy, Samatha, Josh) whom he loved and enjoyed traveling with over the years. All friends and family are welcome to join in a memorial service for Brad Gilbert on Sunday, October 27th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whimsy Farm, 7929 Valmont Road, in Boulder. Come share a story, laugh and join us for dinner. Contact [email protected] Brad was interested in helping others. It wasn’t enough to just have his. Consider donating to a worthy cause.