It is with great regret and sadness that we inform you that Gilbert Balderrama passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Please join us in celebrating Gilbert Balderrama’s life.

Saturday August 6, 2016

Time: 1 pm – 4 pm

Place: South Technical High School

Address: 12721 W Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127

Phone: (314) 989-7400

http://www.southtechhigh.org/w3/

Gilbert is a loving: spouse, father, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, friend and colleague. Gilbert has touched thousands of lives with his positive attitude and ability to help others to believe in themselves. He truly changed the lives of those he encountered and left this world a better place. He is an icon of individuality, courage and integrity, his legacy will live on through those he taught and touched. Over the years he has always put others before himself. A lover of life, great food, family and friends, he has always made those around him feel very special. He has a warm and caring heart for everyone he meets and especially animals. With his passing many tears will be shed, broken hearts across the country will mourn and grieve. Gilbert will always be in our heart no matter where we are or what we are doing. Knowing that he is in a better place with no pain gives us all comfort that he well deserves. He will truly be missed.

Gilbert was preceded in passing his mother: Ina G. Balderrama (nee Gutierrez), his father: Gilbert T. Balderrama and a brother: Joe A. Balderrama. He is survived by his care giver and extra special friend: Ronald A. Rybacki residing in St. Louis, Missouri; his daughters Leigh, Lauren & Anna, residing in Decorah, Iowa; the mother of his children, Odette Bruneau residing in Decorah, Iowa; his sisters Gloria Gamble, Linda Balderrama from Brownwood and Grace Alvarez from Dallas, Texas; his nieces: Stacey, Marisa Perez, Tatiana Guzman, from Brownwood, Marisela Bianca Moreno from Plano, Texas; his nephews: Michael J. Miller, Matthew C. Moreno from Dallas, John and Daniel Perez from Brownwood, Texas; his brother-in-law: Pedro Alvarez, from Dallas, Texas; a special cousin: Maria Louisa Rodriguez, from Brownwood, Texas as well as many other cousins; aunt: Amelia Ramos, from Devine, Texas. He was also very dear to: Charles & Sherri Smith, Jan Wester, Kristen Owen and more importantly is his adopted family the Esparza’s: Salvador Jr, Adela, Salvador III, Adriana and Cristina; his cats (who think they are human) and his furry children: Neihau Azul, ChiChi Rodriguez (aka – Little) and the Great and Powerful Noxzema Jackson (aka Noxie).

As Gilbert was a lover of animals. To honor him in a very special way, if you care to make any donation please do so in his name to the Human Society to feed and care for the less fortunate that have yet to be adopted.

Gilbert Balderrama served 14 years as a special education classroom instructor in Texas and New Mexico, with his last teaching position being in Bernalillo, New Mexico in l993. As a teacher, he served as the local NEA president, bargaining chair and grievance chair. He also served on New Mexico NEA’s Minority Caucus as Vice Chair and Secretary. In l994, he enrolled in the NEA Intern Program for Women and Minorities and applied for a job with Missouri NEA in March of l994.

Gilbert was hired by Missouri NEA to be the UniServ Director for the Southeast Unit beginning May 5, l994, and on June 12, l995, he transferred to the St. Louis area and had remained there throughout his employment. He continued to support and give back to the NEA intern program by not only teaching courses in the program, but also by mentoring new interns as they progressed from the internship to work. His last group of interns were assigned in 2015, and he was like a “mother hen” as his flock spread out into the world to become UniServ Directors in other NEA state associations.

As part of the Missouri NEA, Gilbert was active in his own staff union, the Missouri Professional Staff Organization, and just recently represented his union brothers and sisters on the MNEA Pension Committee. For most of the years of his MNEA employment, Gilbert was the staff liaison to the MNEA Human Rights Committee, and he spent many hours with the activities of that group. As a representative from MNEA, Gilbert visited several universities and talked to education students about teaching and the benefits of being part of MNEA. His personnel file is filled with letters of commendation from the local MNEA associations that he has served.

Gilbert had a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas; a Masters in Special Education from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas; and a degree in Administration from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. He also completed special certifications in Special Education—Emotionally Disturbed and Bi-Lingual Education.

A scholarship has been set up in honor of Gilbert Balderrama, our MNEA UniServ Director who worked with the MNEA Human Rights Committee over 20 years. Those wishing to donate may write a check to The MNEA Charitable Fund and put “The Gilbert Balderrama Minority Scholarship” in the memo line. Contributions may be mailed to MNEA, 1810 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. A letter acknowledging the contribution will be sent.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated privately. A public Celebration of his life is planned for August (closer to his birthday) per the info given at the beginning of the obituary.

Following are some comments from Gilbert’s friends:

I’m so honored to have met Gil. He was an amazing person and a joy to be around. Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain. Rest in love my friend! –Sheila Washington, MS

Gilbert was an inspiring UD. I learned so much from him in just a week. He will be greatly missed but I believe his memory will continue on. –Tammy Barnes, MN

What an honor and a blessing to have had the opportunity to converse, work, laugh, shop, break bread with, and to simply experience, such a genuine spirit. Feeling this loss, and truly saddened. –Kristine Argue, IL

Gilbert was a colleague, mentor & friend to many. I thank God & the Universe for the opportunity to get to know him and learn from him. I have been numb since finding out about his transitioning and I know that his spirit lives in all he has touched. –Thomas Hardy, NJ

I so loved him!! He continues to teach me in his passing. I’ve lost touch with some people that changed my life. It’s time to reconnect. Thank you Gilbert for continuing to make me go deeper. –Michele Isreal, MI

Gilbert was a true advocate and gentle soul. His laughter and smile will be truly missed. Vaya con Dios-Susan Salinas, TX

He was a kind hearted, gentle soul and a true friend to everyone he met. –Cyndi Austin, KY

My heart is broken. –Robin Langley, MI

Rest in Peace our good friend & brother. In prayer for the Balderrma family. Respectfully –Ervin Pratt, MI

So sad. Gilbert was a wonderful man and such an inspiration. He lived life with gusto! –Renae Rebechini, class of 1999 Illinois

Greeting fellow interns.

I met Gilbert when I was a NEA UniServ Intern in New Mexico. He as a classroom teacher. We have been friends ever since. The last few years we had not kept in contact very much. Every time we did visit we would pledge to keep in touch more. It did not happen. I am sad that I will never be able to see

Gilbert again. I know that he is in a better place, where he is free of any pain. I will dream of the day that I will see him again in paradise.

One thing I have learned is not to put off calling or going to visit family and friends, because we only have today. I will not say good-by to Gilbert, but say, “until we see each other again, my dear friend and brother.” We are so highly Blessed.

This is Angel Morales Class of 1990, MN

Greetings all,

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Gilbert Balderrama passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2016, after a short illness. Gilbert was a 1993 graduate of the NEA UniServ Intern Program for Women and Ethnic Minorities. He was also a long time UniServ Director for Missouri-NEA.

Gilbert was a gentle man with a big heart. His presence and talents will be greatly missed by each one of us. There is sadness in his passing but much joy in the memories that are held by many of us.

There will be a memorial service held for him in early August. His family and friends are planning this. As more details become available, they will be passed along.

The MNEA Human Rights Committee has set up a scholarship fund in his name. Gilbert worked with the committee for some 23 years. If you would like to make a contribution, please make checks out to MNEA Charitable Fund and put “The Gilbert Balderrama Minority Scholarship” in the memo line. You will receive a letter acknowledging your contribution. Checks should be mailed to:

MNEA

1810 East Elm Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Additionally cards can be sent to his family at:

4496 Maryland Ave, #2D

St. Louis, MO 63108

“How quietly you tiptoed, into our world, almost silently, only for a moment you stayed…but what an imprint your footprints have left upon our hearts.” (www.ygoh.org.au)

Good afternoon,

It pains me to share that Missouri NEA UniServ Director Gilbert Balderrama passed away this Saturday. He had been sick for several months. Professionally, we will forever remember his positive attitude, and commitment to the work, especially his 23 years with the MNEA Human Rights Committee. Personally, we cherish his love of a good estate sale and spicy Tex-Mex. Gil is survived by his life partner Ron and his daughters Leigh Catherine, Lauren, and Anna.

To honor and remember Gilbert, Missouri NEA President Charles Smith encourages folks to donate to the Gilbert Balderrama Minority Scholarship Fund by sending a check to MNEA 1810 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65101.

Onward,

Alice Floros