Obituary - Dr. Lewis Leon Gilbert Jr.

Dr. Lewis Leon Gilbert Jr., MD, of Great Falls, MT, age 82, passed away February 2, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Lewis was born to Lewis Gilbert Sr. and Irene Gilbert at Fort Belknap agency December 26, 1941.

Lewis grew up on the Gilbert Ranch at Fort Belknap and in Harlem, Montana.

After graduating from Harlem High school, Lewis joined the Air Force Reserves and graduated from basic training from Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio, Tx.

Following basic training, Lewis attended the University of Missoula. After graduating, he returned to the Gilbert Ranch where he worked with his father. During that time, he married Terri McGuire and started a family. In 1976 they moved to Grand Forks, ND, and he attended the University of North Dakota, where he graduated from medical school in 1983. After graduation, Lewis completed his internship in Sioux Falls SD. He practiced at Fort Belknap IHS for 2 years before completing his residency training in Family Practice at Bismark, ND.

In 1989, Lewis settled in Laurel, MT, and practiced at the VA Clinic in Billings for many years. At the same time, Lewis worked in many emergency departments in rural Montana as a Locum Tenet Physician.

After retirement, Lewis moved home to Harlem where he lived for many years, some of those years were spent taking care of his father after health issues had left him partially paralyzed. After his father passed away, he moved with his mother and sister to Great Falls, helping to care for them.

Lewis loved to read, and learning was a lifelong passion. He was particularly interested in physics, psychology, astronomy, geology, and trigonometry. He studied for fun. Lewis also liked the simple things in life like a good view, going for walks, singing, playing guitar, karaoke, ice cream, working with his hands and old westerns. During his years of practicing medicine, he loved to diagnose and heal people. He particularly enjoyed taking care of the veterans he treated. He loved to visit, laugh, and reminisce with family and friends. Lewis loved everything Elvis Presley.

Lewis was proceeded in death by his father, Lewis Gilbert Sr.; mother, Irene Gilbert; sister Phyllis Gilbert; brother-in-law Ron Grovem, and grandson Garret Gilbert.

Lewis is survived by his sisters Kay Howard (Jack) of Helena, Sandra Gilbert of Missoula, Susan Grovom (Ron) of Helena, Gwen (Jerry) Anderson of Helena, Bonnie (Mark) Josephson of Big Timber; son, Todd Gilbert of Billings; daughters, Lori Gilbert-Lee of Billings and Shauna (Rob) Azure of Havre; grandchildren Jarrod Gilbert, Kayla Waters, Jordann Gilbert, Hailey Azure, Olivia Lee, and Jacob Lee, great grandchildren Kiev Waters, Rhett Waters, Emmori Waters and Oliver Roberts, as well and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held June 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at The Harlem Catholic Church.