Gilbert Aguirre

Gilbert Mendez Aguirre, 87, of Salinas died peacefully at his home on Monday, September 6, 2010. He was born in Los Angeles, California on July 9, 1923 to Louis and Francisca (Mendez) Aguirre. When Gilbert was a young boy, his parents migrated to California, then returned to Michoacan, Mexico. Gilbert's mother had raised him until he was 18 years old. His father passed away when he was just 6 years old. At the youthful age of 18, Gilbert and his cousin came to California in the 1940's. As time progressed, he met his beloved wife, Dolores Gilpas Aguirre at a dance. Then, on December 5, 1951, they were married. They had two daughters and three sons. Gilbert was a humble and soft spoken man. He dedicated himself to his family. He worked at Spreckels Sugar Plant for over forty years, retiring in 1988. Gilbert had a soft-step and he would quietly go on a walk with his wife. He faithfully helped her in the garden, and with the canaries she had raised. In addition, Gilbert had opened his home for his mother-in-law to live in years past, while he continued his relationship with his own mother in Mexico. His mother, Francisca, had passed in 1984. Gilbert was a loving father, grandfather and brother, who not only provided for his family, but was known to care for his children's scrapes. He would say his prayers at night while the children slipped into slumber. He is survived by Daughters Estella Vasquez and Frances Aguirre both of Salinas sons Louis and Gilbert Aguirre of Salinas Roy Aguirre of Atascadero sisters Maria Louisa Aguirre-Lopez of Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico 11 grandchildren He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores in September, 2006.