Grays River Builder-October 21, 1937 Grays River, Washington Funeral of Claus Gilbertson Quite recently we met in Puget Island at a gala event but our last trip was of a far different nature. Sadness pervaded the hearts of those who erstwhile had been gay, for the Island had been called upon to say farewell to one of her pioneer citizens, Claus Gilbertson, who passed away on Monday. A large crowd had already gathered when we took our places in the well filled church and we were but just seated when the soft, clear syllables of “Somewhere the Sun is Shining, Somewhere the Angels Dwell”, filled the room with its sweetness, after which Reverend R. H. Sawyer delivered a message of comfort and hope to the bereaved family and large congregation. “Shall We Gather at the River” and “Nearer My God to Thee” were softly intoned and brief prayer closed the simple services. Interment was at Cathlamet. Mr. Gilbertson had spent 4? (not readable but should be 55) years on Puget Island coming there in 1882. He was there when the Island was but a fishing station before farms or industries had laid its claim upon the land. He participated in the developmental upbuilding of the community and lived long enough to see it grow from its first crude civilization into the prosperous, popular community it is today. This call came without warning but he had been granted nearly a decade of life beyond it’s allotted span. He was born in Norway in 1861 and was married to Miss Cornelia Pederson in 1909. Besides the widow he leaves a sister, Mr. Henrikka Johnson of Cathlamet, two brothers, Marcus of Puget Island and Peder of Norway. Klaus Gilbertsen Greenwood Cemetery, Cathlamet, Washington 1861-10/11/1937 (As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum)