Billy "Tim" Gilbert

Tim Gilbert, 68, of Caldwell, Idaho, peacefully transitioned to eternal life with Christ on October 9, 2024, after a difficult, yet courageous battle with Corticobasal Degenerative Disease.

Born in 1956 to Bill and Mary “Maxine” Gilbert, the baby of five children, Tim grew up in Caldwell. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1975, where he was an active member of the football and track teams. He continued his education at Northwest Nazarene College, earning a bachelor’s degree in business, while competing at the National level, specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. As a sophomore, he became one of the first All-Americans for NNU in Track & Field, earning honors at the NAIA National meet. In 1977, he ran a time of 52.05 seconds in the 400 hurdles – a record that remains standing today, 47 years later. His “best day ever” came on November 13, 2021, when he was inducted into the NNU Hall of Fame.

Tim met his best friend, Robin (Navratil), at NNC. They married in 1980, embarking on a 44-year partnership to build a life and legacy together. Tim opened Gilbert Lake Marine in the early 90s and operated it until 2008. He then drove truck until his retirement in January 2019. Tim and Robin welcomed their daughter, Jenny Marie, in 1983, and their son, Tevin Scott, in 1988. Tim believed his greatest achievements were his children. He loved them deeply and found great pride in their lives. As a young father, Tim was a playful companion, teaching them to ski or pushing them on the big red swinging gate. As they grew, he was their encouraging supporter, instilling in them the love of sports and competition. In 2015 and 2019, the sparkle in Tim’s eye reflected the deep affection for his grandchildren, Bailey and Bennett Johnson.

After graduating from NNU, Tim transitioned from running to focus on competitive waterskiing. His athletic success on the slalom ski gave him the dream and vision for his own premier ski site. In 1981, he constructed the first manmade tournament waterski lake in Idaho, and he competed nationally for over 40 years. This vision soon became his mission field. The lake generated hundreds of friendships, sparked multiple other sites, and served as a resource of daily fun, tournaments, church baptisms, picnics, and weddings. Memories abound because of Gilbert Lake. Sharing his home brought Tim great joy.

Tim committed his heart to Jesus during high school, a commitment that would remain evident throughout his life. He served God and the church faithfully through leadership of small groups, Sunday school classes, the church board, and greeting at the doors on Sunday mornings at his spiritual home of thirty years, Deer Flat Methodist Church.

Robin, Jen, and Tevin stood beside Tim through the seven-year battle that robbed him of his ability to walk, talk, swallow, and eventually breathe. He took his final breaths at home, in the company of family, watching the sunset overlooking the waters of Gilbert Lake. They continue to carry his torch, remembering his big laugh, fierce competitive spirit, encouraging heart, and how he demonstrated faithfulness, love, and loyalty to the people around him.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 1st at 11:00 am at Canyon Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be held later that day, Friday, November 1st, at 1:00 pm at Eagle Christian Church, 100 S. Short Lane in Eagle, Idaho, with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• Progressive-Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Foundation: 
  • In Honor and In Memory | PSP & CBD Foundation (pspcbdfoundation.org)
• NW Parkinson's Foundation: 
  • Support the Parkinson's Foundation - Parkinson's Foundation (convio.net)
  • Parkinson's Foundation - 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126

Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. (208) 459-0833