Hanover, N.H. — Lieutenant Commander Bertrand Maier Gilbert, 90, died in Hospice care at Outreach House, Hanover, N.H. on Monday June 6, 2016. He was born on Oct. 27, 1925, in Rochester, N.Y., the son of Webster and Mary (Maier) Gilbert. Bert was orphaned at a young age and was raised by his aunts, Cecilia and Katherine, in Buffalo. He was predeceased by a sister, Lucille.

He was involved with the Boy Scouts where he found companionship and inspiration, and where he made lifelong friends. Bert enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He trained as a deep sea diver and became an expert at underwater ordnance disposal, teaching others how to dismantle bombs in murky conditions underwater. For several years he was the Naval Gunfire Officer at Camp Lejeune. He spent much of his off-duty time as a Boy Scout leader, sharing his love for the outdoors with underprivileged youth. Bert retired in 1969 and settled into the Shaker-built Stone House in Enfield Center where he made his true home. He married Juliet Davenport in 1973. They had one daughter.

Bert hiked the entire Appalachian Trail four times and volunteered countless hours working on the Trail with the Dartmouth Outing Club and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association. He was a longtime member of the Enfield Center Grange, served several terms on the Zoning Board and as Selectman in Enfield, N.H.

Bert is survived by his beloved daughter, Emily; his former wife, Juliet; and by many loving friends whose lives were touched by his generosity. There was always a warm welcome at the Stone House where a pot of chili and a cold beer would refresh the weary pilgrim. Who could forget his irreverent humor, his big laugh, his generosity of spirit and his famous popovers? Bert will be remembered as a true gentleman and as a peaceful and humble humanitarian with a deep respect for the natural world. In his honor we should strive to live a full life and to try and embody his favorite motto, “Relish With Content Whatever Providence Hath Sent.”

At Bert’s request, no services will be held at this time, and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be sent to the Appalachian Trail Museum, 1120 Pine Grove Road., Gardners, PA 17324. Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guest book by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.