William John Gilbert
1941 - 2025
Passed away in Kitchener surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 at the age of 84 years.
Born in Exeter, England in March 1941, Will's early years took him from the Devon countryside to Deep River, Ontario—where his father Charles Gilbert was the lead Nuclear Physicist at Canada's first nuclear reactor—before the family returned to England and settled in Manchester. Will completed his undergraduate and master's degrees in mathematics at Cambridge University, and to his father's disappointment, completed his PhD at Oxford University. A distinguished mathematician and dedicated educator, Will built a remarkable academic career spanning nearly four decades at the University of Waterloo. He joined the Department of Pure Mathematics as an Assistant Professor in 1968, rising to full Professor and serving as Department Chair from 1995 to 1999 before becoming Professor Emeritus in 2004.
Will’s scholarly contributions were significant and diverse, exploring the elegant interplay between algebra and geometry. His research encompassed fractal geometry, complex bases, dynamical systems, and algebraic topology. He authored several influential textbooks, including "An Introduction to Mathematical Thinking" and "Modern Algebra with Applications," shaping the minds of countless mathematics students. He has 54 publications to his name, and his research is cited over 800 times according to ResearchGate. Throughout his career, he contributed to the study of mathematics internationally through research and teaching sabbaticals in Australia, New Zealand, and China
Beyond the classroom and research lab, Will embraced life as a quiet, patient, and caring man. He was known for his gentle presence, warm smile, and wry sense of humour. Will had a lifelong love of British comedy, particularly Monty Python—several members of which were his contemporaries at Cambridge and Oxford. He was an avid sailor, enjoying his Laser and Albacore sailboats on Conestoga Lake. He was a dedicated skier, enjoyed camping adventures, travelled the world extensively, and cultivated a refined palate as a wine connoisseur and member of both the International Cellar Society and the Kitchener German Wine Society. He once owned an extensive wine collection that was the envy of many. A passionate film enthusiast with a particular love for world cinema, he contributed reviews to the Internet Movie Database and attended the Toronto International Film Festival faithfully for decades.
In later years, Will treasured time with his family, completing jigsaw puzzles and swimming. His grandchildren adored their Grandpa deeply and will forever hold close memories of his kindness, intelligence, patience, and the special bond they shared.
Husband of Ruth Gilbert (née Hornig) for over 57 years. Loving father of Mandy Jean Ramirez (Jesse) and Peter Jay Gilbert (Farida). Cherished grandfather of Zachary Ramirez, Ethan Gilbert, and Gavin Gilbert. Dear big brother of Harry Gilbert (Awn) of England and Eva Smart of Australia. Loving uncle of Holly Gilbert, Judith Smart, Jonathan Smart, and Jason Smart.
Predeceased by his parents, nuclear physicist Charles Walton Gilbert and Irene Gilbert (née Gunn)
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life open house will be held Sunday November 16th in the afternoon. Please email willcelebrationoflife@gmail.com for more information and to RSVP.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada as expressions of sympathy.
Messages and condolences for the family may be left in the comment box below.