Gilbert Lopez, a man of many gifts—golfing prowess, skier, runner, basketball player and an
outstanding ability as Bette's sous chef had an endless desire to spend time with his beloved
children and grandchildren, to name a few—unexpectedly left his loving family from his home in
Fresno, California, for heavenly realms in the early hours of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the
tender age of 77.

Born the fifth of six children in Tularosa, New Mexico, on February 6, 1948, to Ishmael and Frances (Panchita) Lopez, Gil was adventurous from the start. During college (University of New Mexico class of '74) he relocated to Lake Tahoe in the summers to earn money for college.

While in Lake Tahoe, he fell in love at first sight with Bette Butterfield. They married on August 12, 1972 in Carmel, California and were later sealed for eternity in the Provo City Center Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 18, 2017. Gil loved golfing trips with his two sons. They played together every chance they got. Sometimes they would travel to Albuquerque to meet up with his brothers Bob and Cookie and nephews, Bryan and Dan. It is definitely a golfing family. You could always find Gil outside fixing sprinklers or beautifying the yard.

The couple lived in the California Bay Area for almost 50 years, where they raised their two sons, Brandon and Casey.  A lifelong sports enthusiast, Gil was offered a basketball scholarship from New Mexico State, played quarterback in football (on scholarship at UNM), provided hands-on support for Brandon and Casey's athletic endeavors, and later spent long hours cheering on his grandchildren's sports pursuits.

Gil enjoyed a long and successful career in sales and sales management primarily with Xerox Corporation. His success was no surprise—Gil could sell shoes to a cobbler. Over the years, he earned numerous awards and promotions, excelling in his field through hard work and charisma. Ever practical, he also mastered efficiency at home, once realizing that leaving the Christmas lights up year-round saved an enormous amount of time—just don't turn them on off- season. Gil also obtained his landscape contractor's license in support of Bette's landscape design business. They worked on designs and installations primarily for Los Altos and surrounding area. This was a part time job for Gil.

He is survived by his wife, Bette, his rock; his two sons, Brandon (Jennifer) of Fresno, CA, and
Casey (Janelle) of Highlands Ranch, CO; and his cherished grandchildren, Andrew, 12 and Emma, 4; Luke, 13 and Alli, 11. He also leaves behind two brothers, Bob (Sue) and Ernest/Cookie (Becky-deceased) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. With his easy nature, great humor, and sharp intellect, Gil made friends effortlessly and from all walks of life. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who have survived him.

Gil is preceded in death by his parents and three sisters AND his beloved dogs: Joker, Star,
Mocha and Bella ("who was more than a dog.") Those who went before him are surely
celebrating his return home.

His ashes will be spread in one of his favorite places, Monterey Bay.

Gil is a winner wherever he is and whatever he is doing.