Gilbert G. Anderson

Gilbert Anderson of Jerome, Idaho passed away at the Canyon’s Assisted Living Center, surrounded by his family on April 18, 2024.  Gilbert “Gib” was 89 years old.  

Gib was born in the St. Valentine’s Hospital in Wendell, Idaho on August 8, 1934.  Gib grew up and lived with his parents, Roy S. and Velma R. Anderson, and sister, Doris, in Jerome, Idaho.

Gib completed his primary education in the Jerome school system, graduating in 1952.  Upon graduation Gib enrolled in a three year vocational program, radio & television broadcasting, at Idaho State University.  Gib received his certificate of completion in the spring of 1955.  He returned to Jerome where he found employment as an operator/maintenance engineer for KLIX TV (now KMVT), a newly opened broadcast station in the Magic Valley.

Gib married his college sweetheart, Wilma J. Cole, of Shoshone, Idaho, on October 8, 1955.  The couple took up residency in Jerome where they built a home and started a family.  They had two children, Eric C. of Jerome, Idaho and Doug E., of Nampa, Idaho.   Gib and Wilma remained devoted to each other for 68 years until Gib’s passing.

Gib was an active member of the local Jaycee chapter and a member of the Jerome Methodist church.

Gib joined the National Guard in 1958 and served six months active duty in Fort Knox, Kentucky.

In 1961 Gib was promoted to assistant Chief Engineer of KMVT and relocated to Twin Falls, Idaho.

Gib was an active member of the Twin Falls Optimus Club, and active member of the Methodist Church Scouting Chapter (Troop 61), as well as coaching baseball in the Twin Falls Little League Program.

Gib was promoted to Chief Engineer of KMVT in 1971, a position he held until 1978.  He then left the television station and became an instructor at CSI, teaching electronics.  He held that position for two years before returning back to KMVT.  He stayed with KMVT until his retirement in 1996, ending nearly 40 years of employment with the television company.

Gib enjoyed all sorts of outdoor activities.  In the early 80’s a close friend, LeRoy Craig, suggested Gib take up cross county running.  It was an instant hit and over the next several decades Gib and his friends enjoyed many “fun runs” throughout the northwest.

Gib was also an avid golfer.  He and Wilma lived on the Jerome Golf Course for over twenty years and enjoyed afternoon cocktails on their deck with county club members as they finished up on hole #18.  Gib and Wilma took great pride living on the golf course, and dad took great care in maintaining the property.

Gib’s greatest joy were his grandkids.  Mom and dad took frequent “adventures” with the grandkids traveling as far away as to Hawaii and Mount Rushmore, to local trips around the State and Magic Valley.  These special adventures forged lasting memories.

Gib was preceded in death by an older sister Doris, and his father Roy, and mother Velma.  Gib is survived by his wife Wilma, his two sons Eric and Doug, and six grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Idaho Conservation League.