Mike Gilbert
2016 Margaret Award Recipient
Pioneers Memorial Hospital Foundation
Our 2016 recipient of the Margaret Award is from the Imperial Valley and is the son of a farmer, and grew up in Imperial along with his two brothers. In 1982 he received his Respiratory Therapy License and began working at Pioneers.
During the last 30 something years with the Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, he married Leslie Gilbert and raised two children Jenna Middleton and Jeff Gilbert. Even today his office still has a few of those wonderful art projects hanging on the wall that his kids, then age five or six insisted he needed to keep.
Unfortunately shortly after the children were raised, Mike lost his Leslie to cancer. If asked, he will tell you that he was blessed to be surrounded by caring co-workers and family during this time. Some of us believe it’s just the opposite. We were blessed to be surrounded by him.
Recently he married Teresa, an extraordinary woman and childhood sweetheart. Along with a new wife he also acquired two more daughters. Over the years he has actively contributed his time and talents to better the lives of others through religious, community and Pioneers involvement.
His hobbies include pottery, music, anything arts and crafts, grandkids and a freakish fascination with 50’s Polynesian Tiki pop culture.
Aside from the daily responsibilities of being the Manager of the Cardio Pulmonary Department, a few of Mike’s other contributions to Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District include:
• Decoration, planning and construction of many Galas
• Cattle Call Float planning and construction
• Holiday decorations
• Chili Cook Offs
• And, hilariously entertaining hospital training videos which are still available today on youtube.com.
Mike is quick with a firm handshake and a smile. His presence is reassuring and professional. And, above all else, you know that there goes a true gentleman with a very warm heart.Thank you for your outstanding service and commitment to Pioneers Memorial Hospital Mike Gilbert, and for being our 2016 Margaret Award Recipient
