Gilbert Keith Ridout

Obituary Gilbert "Gib" K. Ridout May 4, 1930 October 31, 2014 Gilbert K. Ridout died October 31st, at Peace Health Center in Vancouver, Washington. He was 84 years old. He was born in Portland, Oregon to Josephine Burchell and Thomas "Tommy" Ridout. He served in the U.S. Navy as a meteorologist, attended Oregon State University, married and raised four daughters. He joined the Longshoreman's Union and worked as a Checker until he retired. He remarried Sylvia Rogers Ward, and relocated to Vancouver, Washington, where he lived with his loving wife of 38 years until he passed. He became a good friend and father to her six children. As a young man, he worked for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and the American Heart Association. Gib was a charismatic and intelligent man, a gifted artist and storyteller. He loved practical jokes, knew hundreds of funny stories and kept his friends and family entertained whenever they got together. Gib enjoyed spending time with his best friend and wife, Sylvia. They played cards and Yahtzee every evening, competing in spirited, but good fun - keeping track of the score until New Year's Eve each year. Sylvia always won, much to Gib's good natured chagrin. Gib enjoyed good conversation and could talk to anyone, anywhere. He had a deep love for Hawaii, which began when he was stationed there while serving in the Navy. He and Sylvia visited there frequently. Gib was an active member of the "40 et 8", a special branch of the American Legion. He served as "Chef du Guerre" and made lifelong friends there. He was past Commander of the PAMC/Vancouver Division of the Veterans of the United States of America and was a member of the Afifi Shrine and the Mt. Hood Masonic Lodge #32. Gib was a deeply spiritual man, and attended St. Mark's Anglican and later Grace Memorial Episcopal. He and his wife worshipped at Vancouver Church of God for many years and recently began enjoying services at Memorial Lutheran Church in Vancouver, Washington. Gib Ridout is survived by his wife, Sylvia, his sister, June, stepsons Rick Ward and Jay Ward, stepdaughters Gayle Ward, Julie Beatty and Wendy Ward and daughters Joan Ridout Ayala, Jan Ridout Schilder and Marti Ridout. He was preceded in death by stepson Kim Ward and daughter, Marci Ridout. He had 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, Washington on November 13th at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the "40 et 8" Nurse's Scholarship Fund. All are welcome to attend.

Gilbert Keith Ridout

May 4, 1930 - October 31, 2014