James Michael Gilburg

James Michael Gilburg (Mike) passed away early in the morning of November 25, 2024 after a prolonged battle with esophageal cancer. He is survived by his sister Joan Gilbert, family Les & Nancy Gilburg, Chris Gilburg & John Gilburg and predeceased by His wife Jenny and daughter Lana.

Mike was born November 29, 1934 in Etobicoke Ontario to parents John and Meta Gilbert. He lived in Ontario until age 10 when his father John took Mike, Joan and Johnny to Creston BC.

While in Creston Mike went to school he played on the basketball team, worked at the Coop general store, bought his 1st car and enjoyed the freedom that a rural location provided a young lad.

Mike joined the Royal Canadian Airforce and was stationed in Ontario during the Korean War where he met Jenny Rybinski from Seba Beach. They moved to Edmonton & were married in Seba Beach They had their first children in 1956, twins Leslie & Lana and their third child Christopher in 1959.

The family moved to Vancouver BC in 1960 so Mike could work as a contractor at Grainger mattress with his father John. The family moved to Richmond, where in 1963 John Gilburg was born the last of 4 children, and they raised their family until 1973.

Mike liked the contracting business so much that he started his own company Bridgeport Contractors where he installed underground services and other excavating activities.

The lure of country life brought the family to Salmon Arm in 1973 where Mike continued his excavating business and Jenny worked at Sears. Mike had several other businesses: Shuswap inland Contracting sold & installed chain link and farm field fencing, sold hydraulic hoses & fittings and had Trucks & equipment sales with Don Booth. Mike & Jenny enjoyed the community, had many friends and were active in the Royal Canadian Legion.

Mike's remains will be buried in Mt Ida Cemetery beside his wife Jenny and his daughter Lana.

Celebration of Life Announcement

Please join us in celebrating the life and memories of James Michael Gilburg (Mike)

Born November 29, 1934, passed November 25, 2024

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2024 

Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Elks Hall Salmon Arm BC

Mike Gilburg was full of stories about the people and events of Salmon Arm so bring your favorite story and join us as we celebrate the life of Mike Gilburg.

Dress is smart casual and RSVP is not required.

-The Gilburg Family