Obituary of Paul Michael Gilbert

In loving memory of Paul Michael Gilbert Mike, as he was known to many, passed away on October 4, 2011 after a long and unprecedented battle with the rare disease Amyloidosis. He was born in 1935 to Paul Franklin and Sue Helen (Flanagan) Gilbert of Arcadia California. At a young age, his family moved to Aptos, California. He attended Watsonville High School where he excelled in academics, football and track, ultimately attending Stanford University on a track scholarship. Though he was a geologist and mining engineer by education, relatively early in his career his deep commitment to the growth and betterment of others led him to do pioneering work in the advancement of employee owned companies. As a board member of multiple companies including SWA, LSA Associates, and Infinilink Corporation, he was passionate about corporate culture and provided leadership and mentoring to professionals both in their business practices and private lives. As the CEO of Sausalito, CA based Environmental Management and Investment Corporation (EMIC) and recently, RMIC Assets, Inc., Mike worked with small businesses and educated young professionals at institutions like Harvard University. His strong work ethic, commitment to principles, relaxed style, and keen insight inspired friends and colleagues alike. Despite his professional success, Mike was happiest outdoors. An active supporter of wildlife preservation, his philanthropy was not limited to donations. He personally rescued and cared for animals including two orphaned wolf pups. He placed the needs of others above his own and was recognized by the State of California for single handedly rescuing the victims of an accident from their burning car. Mike is survived by sons Finney and Brendan Gilbert, daughter Morgan Gilbert and their mother, Mary Lew McCord: his brother Bart Gilbert and wife Pat: his dedicated partner and companion of 28 years Jacqueline Shuirman and her two sons, Will and Nathaniel Shuirman. He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren: Michael and Aidan born to Finney and his wife Takako, and Matthew and Maggie born to Will and his wife Becca. Mike also leaves behind a large extended family related to the Flanagan clan of the Central Valley as well as many dear friends and colleagues. With a profound sense of loss, we are comforted by the belief that our shared time and experiences with him have left us better people. He will not be forgotten.