Gilbert Amaya

Gilbert Valdez Amaya, formerly of Tecumseh, passed away on January 23, 2019, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on October 27, 1951 at his family’s home in San Antonio, Texas.

Gil was most proud of his service to his country. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1970 at the age of 18. He deployed to Vietnam as an infantryman with the 502nd, 101st Airborne Airmobile Division.

Gil retired from Consumers Energy in January 2015 after a 33-year career. He spent most of the last 4 years living in Thailand, where he fell in love with the people and the culture. There he lived a life of leisure and made friends from all corners of the world.

Gil was an avid sports fan, playing softball and coaching youth baseball for many seasons, and passionately cheering on his beloved Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines. He was somewhat of a savant when it came to sports statistics, remembering in vivid detail nearly every aspect of all the great moments in sports history. He had a love of Harleys and enjoyed riding and traveling with his friends.

Gil was small in stature but had a larger than life personality. He was a master story-teller and a jokester who loved to laugh. He had a huge heart and a generous spirit. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his kids and grandkids and found endless joy in giving to others. He never met a stranger and loved conversing with people.

Gil is survived by his step-father Arden Keefer of Morenci, MI, children, Gabby (Barry) Stover of Morenci, MI, Amanda (Robby) Torres of Rio Rancho, NM, Matt Amaya of Amarillo, TX, and Ashley Amaya (Tim Bronson) of Livonia, MI, as well as his 8 grandchildren, Jacob and Dominique Morin, Jayden and Landon Amaya, Santana Torres, Caeleb and Cameron Clemons, and Anthony Bronson, and his great-grandson Isaac Coleman. He also leaves behind a large group of lifelong friends that he considered to be more like family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Tomasita Keefer, and father, Elias Amaya.

Gil’s family will host friends for a Celebration of Life in Michigan in late April. Additional details to follow.