Gilbert Cano

Gilbert Cano passed in his home in Ivanhoe, California on October 15, 2023. Gilbert was born on November 20, 1939 in Los Angeles, California to his loving mother Ramona Cano and into a family with six siblings. Gilbert's childhood was not an ideal one. He was faced with the challenges of poverty and an abusive stepfather. During his youth, he would often turn to his sisters and cousins who provided him with a means of escape and comfort. Just as many teens lacking guidance do, Gilbert dropped out of high school at the age of 17. Upon hearing this, one of Gilbert's older brothers who recently served in the military, Rudy, was insistent that Gilbert join the service. Gilbert scoffed at the idea, insisting that his mother would not sign the necessary paperwork since he was only 17 years old. To Gilbert's surprise, his mother signed those papers without a second thought and off to the Army Gilbert went. Gilbert served proudly in the Army and enjoyed being stationed in Germany during the late 50s. Gilbert always credited his service with instilling the discipline and desire in him to go back to school. Upon completion of his service, Gilbert went back to school earning his diploma and developing an interest in activism. He advocated for families battling poverty and was involved in the Chicano Civil Rights Movement. Gilbert was a key organizer of the Chicano Moratorium in Los Angeles and "La Marcha de la Reconquista", a thousand-mile march from Calexico to Sacramento. His involvement in activism led him to Texas to study at the Mexican-American Culture Center in San Antonio, TX where he met the love of his life, his wife Norma. While Norma completed her college education in Texas, Gilbert earned his bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge. Gilbert and Norma married in 1976 before moving to Wisconsin. It was here that Gilbert earned his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater before returning to California. Upon settling in Tulare County, Gilbert started a career in public service by joining the Tulare Youth Service Bureau. It was here that he discovered his passion for helping youths in need. It was during this time that the two greatest joys in his life, his sons Tizoc (TC) and Tepitzin (Gilbert Jr.), were born. Gilbert went on to accept a position as a counselor at Dinuba High School before accepting a position as a counselor at Orosi High School. Gilbert was passionate about helping the students he encountered. He retired from Orosi High School after serving 18 years as a counselor. His impact on the community was tremendous. Later in life he said that helping youths and providing them with the guidance he never had gave him fulfillment and also helped to heal the wounds from his childhood. Gilbert was also honored to serve on the Ivanhoe Public Utility District for 28 years. After retirement, Gilbert valued the simple things in life above all. Nothing provided Gilbert with more satisfaction than having a good meal, some good snacks, something good to watch on TV, and having his wife and boys by his side. His unique sense of humor was present all of his life and enjoyed by everyone around him. Gilbert was preceded in death by his mother, Ramona Rosales, siblings Rudy, Paul, and Helen, as well as his parents-in-law, Eduardo and Francisca Guajardo. Gilbert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Norma Cano, two sons, his sisters, Mary Sandoval, Virginia Rangel, Martha Rosales, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. Viewing will be held 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Service Of Remembrance services will follow from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Gilbert Cano

November 20, 1939 - October 15, 2023