RimbaudGilbertJ

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Gilbert J. "Gil" Rimbaud

Exeter - Gilbert J. “Gil” Rimbaud passed away July 22, 2010 at home with his wife and daughter by his side, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Gil was born January 24, 1955 in Hempstead, NY to the late Gilbert J. and Pauline Rimbaud. He was a member of the graduating class of Portsmouth High School 1973 and attended East Coast Aerotech Institute in Burlington, MA, graduating with a degree as a licensed aircraft mechanic.

The son of an Air Force pilot, Gil traveled extensively throughout his childhood, and in 1970 his family settled in Rye. He had a strong mechanical aptitude which blossomed at age 15 when he built the motor for his prized possession, a 1967 Shelby Mustang, and so began his passion for tinkering with anything and everything.

In 1982 Gil went to work for Neslab as a prototype engineer. Two years later, he was hired as a Field Service Technician for Munter's of Amesbury, MA where he spent the next 25 years until his illness forced him to retire. During his tenure at Munter's, Gil held various management positions, but most of all loved the challenge of helping colleagues and customers in the art of desiccant dehumidification. He was a master professional at his job and was known throughout the industry as the "Guru" at Munter’s. Gil had a great respect for his colleagues and treasured the friendships that resulted.

Gil was a ferocious reader, a brilliant man with an astounding memory. A kind, gentle soul, with a witty sense of humor, he was always willing to help others, and his friends had a great respect for him. Others would often call upon him for troubleshooting advice for a car, appliance, boat motor, technological assistance or anything else that happened to need fixing at the time. Never a man who wanted attention, he was humbled by the compliments and love others bestowed upon him.

He loved the ocean and he and his wife spent summers aboard their Grady White relaxing on Great Bay and at the Isles of Shoals. Together they vacationed at many different seaside communities on both coasts, with his favorite journey to Cape Breton Island's Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia.

Gil was a 20 year member of the RC ACES Radio Controlled Flying Club of North Hampton. He enjoyed building and flying his planes, and the camaraderie he shared with other club members. He was a skilled training instructor for the club.

Survivors include his loving wife and best friend, Debra Glass Rimbaud, daughter Colby E. Glass whom he loved dearly and her companion Matthew Davis, sister Monique Woods and her husband Robert of Manchester, father and mother-in-law, R.Vernon and Carole Glass of Newfields, sisters-in-law Robin D'eon and her husband John of Exeter, Karen Chase of Exeter and Susan Waymouth and her husband Preston of Dover and Foxcroft, ME, brother-in-law Ross Glass and his wife Jill of North Berwick, ME, nieces Hilary, Jessica, Amanda, nephews Robbie, Justin and Christopher, great-nieces Taylor, Kayley and Isabella, great-nephew Cameron and his canine companion Brady.

Gil’s family extends a special thanks to all who helped to ease Gil's cancer journey; his dear friends, co-workers, Dr. Danny Sims and the entire staff at Exeter Hospital Oncology, all his caregivers from Seacoast Hospice and Gil’s special friend, Attorney Michael Rainboth.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 -7 PM on Thursday, July 29, 2010 in the Stockbridge Funeral Home, 141 Epping Rd., Exeter. A Celebration of Gil's life will be held on Friday, July 30 at 1 PM in the Newfields Community Church, 71 Main Street, Newfields, followed by refreshments and a dove release at the river's edge at the Newfields Public Boat Landing. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial will be private. Those who wish to donate to a charitable organization in his memory, it is Gil's desire that Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833 or NHSPCA, P.O.Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885 be remembered in your generosity.

Stockbridge Funeral Home invites you to post your entries of love and support for the family. All postings are monitored and any inappropriate posts will be immediately deleted. Thanks in advance for your respect for the family.

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