Donald Peter Gilbert

Donald Peter Gilbert - A long time Thousand Oaks California resident passed away on December 27, 2021, in Federal Way, Washington. Don was born on Aug 6 1935, the son of famous horse racing jockey, Johnny Gilbert and his wife, Lula (Meade) Gilbert. Don had one sibling, a sister, Johnna (Gilbert) Russian. After retirement as a Jockey, Johnny Gilbert went on to become a prominent horse trainer/owner. Don grew up and attended primary school in Thousand Oaks and went on to attend college at Ventura College. Don married soon after college to Diane (DeeDee Hyde) Gilbert. Don and Diane had three children, John, Kathleen and Suzanne. Don worked the horse racing circuit as an assistant horse trainer partnered with his father. Both families traveled together following the horse racing circuit for many years. Don, aka “Swami” was lucky to retire early in life allowing him to enjoy the nomadic lifestyle which he loved and ultimately lived by for the rest of his life. Don spent most of his days doing what he loved; taking road trips, playing golf, wine-tasting, snow skiing, or attending live music venues all over the state of California. He leaves behind, one sister, three children, seven grandchildren, and eight great- grandchildren and a much longer list of friends and family. Travel on Don! Thanks for the memories. We love you.