Gilbert Richard Duyst

Gilbert Richard Duyst passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at the age of 76 while surrounded by his wife and loving family. Gilbert was born to Ida and Reinier Duyst on November 9, 1939 in Hanford, California, where he grew up and graduated from Hanford High School in 1957. Gilbert was an outstanding athlete in both basketball and football, and went on to play for Porterville and Bakersfield college. He married Dorothy Meling from Visalia, California on November 18, 1961and has shared 54 wonderful years with the love of his life who remained by his side until his last breath. Gilbert worked very hard and eventually was able to purchase a Mobil and then a Chevron service station on Lovers Lane in Visalia in 1967. In time he was able to work beside both his sons teaching them the business. He also loved farming his citrus ranches in the Ivanhoe area. His children and grandchildren could always find Papa in the stands cheering them on no matter where the game, rodeo or horse show. Gilbert will be missed greatly by his family, friends and the community. Gilbert was preceded in death by two children, Cindy Duyst and Michael Duyst; his sister Joanne Duyst, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Duyst, a daughter Linda Duyst Lawrence and her husband Phillip Lawrence, his sons Rick Duyst and Kevin Duyst and his wife Martha Duyst, and his daughter-in-law Jennifer Duyst. He also is survived by nine Grandchildren, Amanda and Justin Lawrence, Zachary, Cambria, Rodney and Danielle Duyst, and Garrett, Michael and Matthew Duyst; and two sisters Grace Byl and Louise Dean. Viewing will be available from on from 4-8 pm on Monday February 8, 2016. A memorial service to celebrate Gilbert's life will be held on Tuesday February 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel at 127 E. Caldwell, Visalia, Ca. Burial will follow at Lindsay Cemetery. SURVIVED BY: PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: VISITATION WILL BEGIN: at 4 PM till 8 PM on Monday, February 08, 2016 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. SERVICES: a funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. BURIAL WILL BE AT: Lindsay Cemetery A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Gilbert Richard Duyst

November 9, 1939 - January 28, 2016