Kim Gilbertson
GILBERTSON - Kim Gilbertson (56), loving mother of three, grandmother of five, and wife to Lyle, passed away in the early hours of August 29, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Kim was born on February 4, 1966. Adopted by her caring parents Reginald and Lucile Matz, she grew up with brothers Robin and Randy in the small town of Empress, where she enjoyed socializing with friends, working at The Empress Hotel and Café, and riding bareback on her horse, Saxon.
Kim began school in Empress, later Acadia Valley, and eventually attended high school in Medicine Hat. She married her sweetheart Lyle Gilbertson in Medicine Hat on April 30, 1982 and they settled down in Oyen and raised their 3 children: Jay, Curtis and Alisha. Kim was a stay-at-home mom for many years, noting it was often easier to bring her kids home for lunch where they each enjoyed their own flavour of soup than it was to try to pack them lunch. Kim made many friends and connections within her community, through various jobs and her outgoing nature. She gave her time and organizational talent to kindergarten and minor hockey boards, coached girls volleyball and bantam boys minor baseball, and rarely missed an event of any kind involving her children (and later her grandchildren). Kim also worked for Alberta Health in children’s support services for some time. She found her vocation as an award winning realtor for Royal Lepage. In this role, her love for negotiation paired perfectly with her charisma, high standards for fairness, and eye for detail. She loved that she was always learning, meeting new people, and keeping busy. Often one of the first people newcomers to the area would meet, Kim was always willing to go the extra mile and ensure that folks felt welcome.
Kim loved having a beautiful, functional home. As such, she enjoyed the opportunity to design and oversee the building of their custom home, including landscaping. Kim was happy puttering in the house or working in the yard and garden, but spent most of her free time with her children and grandchildren. Grandma (also known as Nona to her grandsons) naturally had her own rules so it was always time for crafts, playing games, dance parties, jumping in the basement bouncy castle, or eating treats whenever the mood struck. She would always say “Who does Grandma love the most?”, with the grandkids always replying, “Me!”.
Whether it was family trips to Fairmont when their kids were younger, the discovery of Hawaii years later, or their random jaunts to Banff, Kim liked to travel with her husband. She loved the sun and finding places with delicious food to enjoy. She had an amazing sense of humor, always laughing and joking around, and making light of life. One time she convinced her friend that her windows would be easier to clean and get really shiny if she rubbed them down with a sliced white onion. This was of course not true and became a running joke between the two of them over the years. A plastic spider in Jay’s bed, crazy holiday shopping road trips with her friends, gag gifts with someone else’s name on them – the list of shenanigans is endless. Kim knew how to love life and share that with everyone along the way. Eager to banter and easy to add light to difficult situations, we already miss her dearly.
Kim found out she had Stage Four cancer shortly after their 40th wedding anniversary. She spent much of the following months staying in Innisfail and Red Deer to enjoy as much time as she could with her family. Despite fighting for more time, the cancer kept winning. In conversation with one of her nurses she confirmed that she was very lucky and loved her life – a wonderful husband of 40 years; children who were successful, healthy, and happy; and grandchildren that brought her much joy.
Kim leaves behind many friends who she loved dearly; her amazing and doting husband Lyle Gilbertson; children Jay (Charlie), Curtis (Rachel), and Alisha (Steven); grandchildren Hailey, Skyla, Thadeus, Ravyn, and Foster; and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents (Reginald and Lucile Matz) and her brother (Robin Matz). If you find yourself missing Kim, please remember that laughter can be the best medicine. In her memory, grab a cup of coffee (espresso) or a Pepsi and find a friend to chat and laugh with – sharing stories and making new memories.
The family would like to offer a huge thank you to Innisfail Health Center’s nurses, doctors, and staff for taking such attentive care of Kim. She enjoyed your visits and support which helped make her last few months as easy as they could be.
As per Kim’s wishes, no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Canadian Cancer Society or Innisfail Health Centre.