Gilbert Leland Walden, age 79, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2009 at the Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Washington.
He was born on May 27, 1929 in Saskatchewan, Canada to Elbert and Leona Truman Walden.
Gilbert was raised and attended school in Minnesota. He has been a resident of the Alger area for the past 59 years.
He was married to Eva Brown on November 17, 1949 in Burlington and they celebrated 55 years together until her passing in July of 2005.
Gilbert worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years, working for Snelson’s for 20 years and then on the North Slope in Alaska for 10 years and for Union Local #302.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and especially talking with friends and family discussing politics.
Gilbert is survived by his 4 sons, Britton Walden and his wife Betty of Sedro-Woolley, Bradley Walden and his wife Angela of West Virginia, Ronnie Walden and his wife Lana of Sedro-Woolley and Christopher Walden of Burlington. Nine grandchildren, Shannon, Heather, Shane, Jennifer, Travis, Jeffrey, Cory, Ronnie Joe and Jodi and six great- grandchildren. His sister, Betty Galbreath of Bow and 3 brothers, Lionel Walden and his wife Marie and Harley Walden and his wife Delores all of Sedro-Woolley and Wilbur Walden of Buckley. Also numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Eva; two sons, Gilbert Jr. and Baby Walden; two brothers, Roy and Howard Walden and a sister, Josie Allen.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 3:30PM at the Bow Cemetery with Pastor Wendy Tingley of Trinity United Presbyterian Church officiating. Visitation is available on Friday from 9AM to 5PM at Lemley Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Children’s Orthopedic Hospital in Seattle. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.