Robert A. "Bob" Gilda

Robert Allen “Bob” Gilda, 84, passed away on October 4, 2025 in Bellingham, Washington.

Bob was born on May 18, 1941, in Bellingham, Washington. He was raised by his mother, Juanita Sutton Gilda and graduated from Meridian High School in 1959. He earned his teaching certificate from Western Washington College of Education (now WWU) in 1963 where he met his wife, Karen. He was a lifelong resident of Bellingham and served the community as a volunteer firefighter, Mountain Rescue volunteer and instructor, Cub Scout Leader, basketball coach, an excellent woodworker, and a creative problem solver. Known as a good friend and neighbor to many, he could often be found helping others. He was math teacher at Bellingham and Sehome High Schools, and Shuksan Middle School. Serving as Sehome High School’s Assistant Principal, he was frequently seen driving his farm tractor through Bellingham to retrieve the Sehome Mariners’ anchor that was regularly “relocated” by rival schools. He was a member of several churches over his life including the First Christian Church and Cordata Presbyterian of Bellingham.

He was an accomplished athlete both in high school and college. Transferring to Meridian High School as a sophomore, he wasn’t good enough to make even the team’s junior varsity basketball team so he joined the squad as manager. Two years later, he led the Trojans team in scoring and rebounding as he drove them to the Class A Northwest District tournament in 1959. In becoming perhaps the best big man the school ever produced, he was named as a member of Meridian’s “Team for the Ages,” the five best boys basketball players in school history as selected by The Bellingham Herald. He played basketball at Western Washington College for four years. In 1960, the team went to Kansas City for the NAIA National Tournament. Memorable for Bob because it marked his first time traveling outside Washington State. He also played in the very first game basketball game in Western’s new Sam Carver Gymnasium on Dec 6, 1961. Bob was a strong man - measured by both physical strength and character, and was known for his sportsmanship.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Karen (Kinnish) Gilda; his mother, Juanita (Sutton) Gilda; and his older brother, Richard (Jan).

Bob was a hardworking, generous, and thoughtful husband, father, grandfather, and educator. He is survived by his three children, Greg (Kristin), Brian (Margreet), and Laura Gilda; four grandchildren, Tim, Lucie, Thijs, and Delanie; his sister, Catherine Reece; his brother, Ed (Linda) Gilda; and the memories of the hundreds of students that he taught.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Meridian High School Foundation; a school where Bob found the mentorship, friendship, and support to make a significant shift in his life. Donations in his name can be mailed to: Meridian Public School Foundation, 525 Beard Road, Lynden WA 98264.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30am on Friday, Dec. 19, at Westford Funeral Home. A reception will follow.