Vivian Gilbert

Born Lila Vivian to Pearl Lingo and Emerson L. Watkins in Salina, Kansas. Vivian was raised with an older sister, Elaine and a younger sister, Jane on a 10 acres farm with cows, chickens and pigs. During her school years, Vivian enjoyed participated in her school's marching band. The depression motivated the family to move to Denver Colorado in 1941. Vivian graduated from Denver South High School in 1942.

The summer after her senior year Vivian was a drummer in an all girl jazz band (Joy Caylers band) and lived in Grand Lake, Colorado performing at night. She was asked to be on a world tour but her older sister was away in the service and her parents didn’t want to risk losing 2 daughters during a war time. She did continue to drum even with the USO at Camp Hale during the training of the 10th Mountain Division.

Vivian received her BA from University of Denver with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1946. She then went to work as the secretary for the president at Combs Air Field in Denver.

On October 12th 1949 she married the love of her life Richard K. Gilbert. Together they ran the Richard K Gilbert Construction company building custom luxury homes for 50 years.

Vivian and Dick had 3 daughters: Beverly Ann, Linda Kay & Nancy Lee. Family life brought them great joy and contentment.

In addition to managing and providing design consultation to the construction company, Vivian stayed active in her neighborhood garden club, bridge club and Nip n Tuck – a supper club. She was also the girl”s Girl Scout Leader and involved with Jobs Daughters.

Vivian was a master gardener and her gardens were featured in the Denver Post. She also was an active member of Historic Denver and involved in the Ninth Street Neighborhood Project.

Vivian was always a wonderful party giver for Christmas, Easter, Summer Solstice, you name it!!

Vivian and Dick belonged to Denver based travel club – Ports of Call. They enjoyed many wonderful trips including Egypt, Italy and Cuba.

In their retirement they moved to Holly Creek Christian Living Center in July 2007. Mom continued living there until her death.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Richard K Gilbert, of 61 years and her sister Elaine Brennan. She leaves behind her sister, Jane Watkins, her three daughters, Bev Rice (Paul), Linda G. Davis (Barclay) and Nancy Wright (Geoffrey); eight grandchildren, Craig Rice (Sinead), Lucas Rice (Nina), Nathan Davis (Jules), Corbin Davis (Laura), Tyler Davis, Trevor Davis (Gabriella), Courtney Wright (Melody), Brittany Begley (Matthew), eight great grandchildren, Cormac Rice, Eli Rice, Kai Rice, IlaMae Davis, Tate Davis, Ashtyn Davis, LulaBelle Vivian Davis and Soden Begley. 4 new great grandchildren are expected soon!

After a very long and active life, Vivian died peacefully after a brief illness. Vivian always marched to the beat of her own drum.

A memorial service will be held May 25, 2022 at Holly Creek Retirement Center in the Fellowship Hall, 5500 East Peakview Ave. at 9:30 am. Masks requested.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to:

Cure Alzheimer's Funds , 34 Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hill, MA 02481 or Historic Denver, 1420 Ogden Street, Suite 202, Denver, CO 80218.

Please share your memories of Vivian and condolences with her family by signing the tribute wall.