DALLAS PLANTATION – Ernest “Ernie” Gilbert, 65, died unexpectedly Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at his home. He was born Sept. 3, 1946, in Waterville, a son of Dooris Gilbert and Dorothy (Stetson) Gilbert.
Ernie attended Waterville schools and graduated from Waterville High School in 1964. He went to prep school at Higgins Classical Institute, Charleston, and after graduation attended West Texas State University, Amarillo, Texas, where he played football. He later transferred to the University of Maine, Orono, so he could play defensive tackle for Coach Walter Abbott. Ernie graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1970. Ernie taught physical education at Winslow Junior High School from 1970 to 1990. He owned and operated Gilly’s Gym, Waterville, from 1969 until he retired. An accomplished powerlifter and Olympic style weightlifter himself, Ernie loved to coach powerlifting, the weight events in track and field, and strength training for other sports. His students won numerous national powerlifting titles, five IPF world championships, and one spot on an Olympic team. He also served as a Category I international powerlifting referee. On Dec. 31, 1987, he married Sheridan Oldham in Oakland. They retired to the Rangeley area in 2006, where they enjoyed the outdoors snowmobiling, fishing and riding ATV’s. Ernie especially enjoyed driving their motorhome all around the country, including Alaska. He was a member of Waterville Elk’s Lodge, Rangeley Region Guides & Sportsmen’s Association and Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club.
He is survived by his wife, Sheridan Oldham of Dallas Plantation; a son, David Gilbert and his fiancee, Michelle Martel, of Winterport; his mother, Dorothy Gilbert of Waterville; two sisters, Cathy Shay and her husband, Bob, of Waterville and Carol Clark and her husband, Chad, of Readfield; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Demings and her husband, Bob, of Peru and Julie Wysocki and her husband, Paul, of Westford, Mass; and his former wife, Jill Gilbert of Winslow. Ernie will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by two infant children, Sarah and Ryan Gilbert.
A private family service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Winslow Junior High Auditorium. The public is invited to join the family in a celebration of Ernie’s life 11 a.m. Jan. 14 at Winslow Junior High Auditorium. The Rev. Nathan Richards will officiate. A reception will be afterward at Waterville Elk’s Lodge. The family asks that those who desire consider memorial gifts to the University of Maine, Orono, Football Program online at www.goblackbears.com or Rangeley Region Guides & Sportsmen’s Association, P.O. Box 244, Rangeley, ME 04970. Cremation and memorial services are being cared for and provided by Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. Condolences, photos and tributes may be shared on Ernie’s memorial wall at
www.wilesrc.com.