Roger E. Gilbert, 85

SANBORNTON — It is with profound sadness that the family of Roger E. Gilbert announce his passing. Roger chose to leave this earth on Jan. 5, 2026.

Roger was born on Feb. 5, 1940, in Laconia, son of Mary (Maheux) and Eugene Gilbert, and was 1 of 14 brothers and sisters.

Roger grew up in Laconia, but moved to Sanbornton in his 20s, where he remained for the rest of his years.

Roger had a charismatic personality and was well known for his "Dickie's Kaki" uniform. Roger's saying anytime he met someone, be it an old or new friend, was, "Give me a hug." He carried around cards in his wallet that he handed out any chance he got that stated, "Good for one free hug."

Roger gave of himself willingly, helping anyone in need. If you needed help with yard work, he was there. Help with a chimney, he was there, or if you just needed someone to sit with and have coffee, he was there.

Roger was a mason by trade and learned the craft as a young boy. He honed his skills over the years and eventually started R&B Masonry with his longtime friend Buddy Johnson. Together they built a successful business and many of their projects can be seen around the Lakes Region today. Roger retired in the early 2000s, but continued doing small jobs until his passing. He didn't have what others would think of as hobbies. Roger's hobby was work and creating with brick and mortar. At 85 years young, Roger was healthy and was still able to do what he loved.

Family, friends, and friends that became family, were the cornerstone of Roger's world.

Roger is survived by his daughter Danielle Gilbert-Hilson and her husband Andrew of Sanbornton; their son and Roger's grandson Andrew "AJ" Jr.; granddaughter Madison Gilbert and fiancé Noah Pearson of Milford, Massachusetts; his sisters, Alice "Susie" Brown of Gilford, and Grace Abbott of Nashville, Tennessee. Roger also leaves behind many nieces and nephews including Janice Walker of Laconia, and Ashley (Gilbert) Templeton of Gilford.

Friends that became family that were also left behind are Buddy and Donna Johnson, Albie and Marie Johnson, Patty Olisky and John and Jeff Fortier.

Roger is predeceased by his chosen son Jeffrey Gilbert, nephew Brady Gilbert, siblings Cecile Flynn, Laurent "Bo" Gilbert, Marguerite Walker, Rena Lebrun, Stella Marsh, Joseph "‘Peewee" Gilbert, Arthur Gilbert, Leo "Pop" Gilbert, Maurice Gilbert, Cindy Gilbert, Robert Gilbert, first wife Winnie Johnson and second wife Mary O'Leary.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Roger's name to Old Dogs Go to Helen (ODGTH), 83 Range Road, Epsom, NH 03234.

A graveside service is scheduled for the spring.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.