Harold Burton Gilbertson, 84, passed away Oct. 18, 2017, in Felton, California.

He was born June 9, 1933, the oldest son of Clarence and Mary Gilbertson in Kalispell. He graduated from Flathead County High School, and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montana State University. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Nebraska. He taught in colleges all over the country.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia. He is also survived by a daughter, Heather Bireley, and husband Jamie, and grandchildren Cierra, Kodi and Chase of Ritchey, Montana; stepdaughter, Shelly King Schuur, and her husband John of Felton; stepsons, John Gainous and wife Ethel of Cario, Georgia, and Anthony King and wife Kathy of Omaha, Nebraska; as well as two older sisters, Mae Tilton of Helena and MaryLou Basham (Jack) of Missoula; three younger brothers, Jim (LoAnna) of Seattle, Ted (Donna) of Kalispell, and Larry (Marie) of Chapin, South Carolina; and his youngest sister, Janice (Larry) of Chandler, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret Jane “Peggy” in 2011, his brother Leroy in February of 2017, and his stepson Tom King in 2006.

The family requests any memorials be sent to the Felton Library Friends who will be installing special features for patrons with sight impairments such as Harold had in the new library being built. Donations may be sent in memory of Harold Gilbertson to Felton Library Friends, P.O. Box 1245, Felton, CA 95018.