William (Bill) K Gilbert MD, of Eliot, Maine, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family in his home of 47 years.

Born on March 31, 1944 to Karl Clinton Gilbert and Virginia Elizabeth (nee Cutshall) Gilbert, Bill was raised on a farm in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania with his four brothers. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers Larry and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Wendy Lee Gilbert (nee Fuss), brothers Richard (Elaine) Gilbert of Lake Havasu City, AZ, and Douglas Gilbert of Guys Mills, PA four children, Allison Gilbert of Eliot, Justin and his wife Angie Gilbert (Bryan) of Eliot, Adam and his wife Amy Gilbert (Kuchinski) of Apex, NC,  Jacob Gilbert of Eliot, and ten grandchildren Kaylee, Ozzie, Ella, Leona, Noah, Harper, Lyla, Lucas, Rose, and Hallie.

A graduate of Randolph-East Mead High School, Bill attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA and went on to complete Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania. After residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, he then served in the USAF as a physician at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH. After moving to Eliot in 1975 with his wife and young family, he co-founded Kittery Family Practice, the first family practice in the area. He remained at KFP for the next 37 years, reassuringly caring for many residents of the southern Maine region with his calm demeanor. His early career brought many home visits, as well as free well-child checks in Eliot for many years. Later in life he volunteered his services as a physician on mission trips to Guatemala.

He ardently pursued his many passions and interests without bound. His homestead was an immense source of pleasure and satisfaction to him. He often walked visitors through his array of gardens, projects and plans-in-the-making. He was tirelessly tackling home renovations, transforming the landscape, gardening, crafting wine, boiling maple syrup, churning out fresh pressed cider, raising livestock, poultry and peacocks, beekeeping, and even had a brief stint as the owner of a very stubborn pony.

He loved sports; his years were full of coaching his own children's team and umpiring, playing men's basketball, served as MSAD 35 sideline physician and spectator that spanned four decades. He was  a proud and devoted fan of his grandkids  musical activities and sporting events.

A devoted member of the Eliot United Methodist Church (newly renamed Living Water UMC) he served as lay leader, on the board of trustees, in the voice and bell choirs, and made several service trips abroad.  One of his prominent accomplishments close to his heart was the creation of the community garden that flourishes on the premises of UMC in Eliot.

Another aspect of his giving back to the community was his years-long service on the MSAD 35 School Board. He was proud to have been a part of the planning and building of the current Marshwood High School.

And yet, above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a source of great strength and wisdom to his family; he was their cornerstone and will be missed beyond measure.

If desired, friends and family can make memorial donations to the Living Water UMC (formerly Eliot United Methodist Church). Funds identified in his memory will be allocated to the Community Garden he so cherished, and to assisting with expenses for a local youth to participate in a Salud y Paz mission trip to Guatemala.

Living Water UMC Memorial Fund: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z38X/campaign/C-11ZT2

The family wishes to express its gratitude and deep, heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Beacon Hospice.