Obituary: Joel H. Gilbert
Provided Photo
September 30, 1936 – July 31, 2026
Born on September 30, 1936, in New York City, Joel Gilbert always had a spark of mischief in his eye and lived what the ancient Greeks called a eudaimonic life — full of purpose, learning, and love. He lived in many places including Miami (worked as a radiologist), NYC, and London, but the Aspen Valley was home for close to 50 years. He loved his participation in the BOLD (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) program and we would refer to him as the Human Trail Map as we tried to keep up with him on the ski mountains.
He was married to his love and best friend, Charlene Gilbert, who passed away on February 25, 2017. Their lives were full of travel, music, dance and food in addition to loud cheers for a football or basketball game (Go Blue Devils!) as dogs and cats scattered underfoot. They were always holding hands whenever they had the opportunity – walking around Willits, listening to concerts at the Music Tent in Aspen or sitting on the sofa in their living room.
Joel and Charlene will be forever in the hearts and minds of many, including daughters Asha Ironwood and Tiffany Gilbert (Ken); Grandchildren, Sage and Anakeesta Ironwood and Barrett and Beckett Efta; Joel’s brother, Stephen Gilbert (Gerry) and sister-in-law Ramona Barnes (Mickey) and their children.
Joel passed away peacefully in Seattle, WA on July 31st with his family close by and never understood why people kept saying “the mountain is out”. Having lived in Colorado, where sunshine is ever present, he told us that mountains are always out. And we agree.
