LEWISTON — Bruce H. Gilbert III, 64, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 16 at Central Maine Medical Center after a courageous battle with a long illness.

He was born in Skowhegan on Nov. 10, 1947, the son of Bruce H. Jr. and Ruth Marie (Whitehouse) Gilbert.

Bruce married Donna L. Daigle on Mar. 30, 1968. He was an employee of Motor Supply for more than 20 years and a former employee of Oakhurst Dairy and  Gifford’s Dairy and a police officer for the town of Madison in the early to mid-1970s. Bruce was a Junior League football coach and Little League baseball coach for many years. He also played on a men’s softball league for Gifford’s Dairy in the 70s. He loved to watch his granddaughter play softball and enjoyed playing golf.

Bruce was a very loving husband, father and grandfather who would always put others before himself. He had a way about him that would make people smile. Bruce was a very special man who was loved and respected by many. He will be sadly missed.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thank-you to all of the doctors and nurses at Central Maine Medical Center and extend a very special thank-you to Dr. Lewis Russo for the wonderful care and support Bruce received.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 43 years, Donna L. (Daigle) Gilbert, of Madison; two sons, David Gilbert of Madison and Darin Gilbert and wife Bridgette of Farmington; granddaughter, Tanisha; sister, Virginia Lynn Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews.