Gilbert W. Liljedahl

Gilbert Waldemar Liljedahl, 91, of West Hartford, passed away very peacefully at home on May 21, 2013. Born in Hartford, Connecticut on October 13, 1921, the loving son of the late Thor Josef Liljedahl and Hannah Anderson Liljedahl, "Gil" was very proud of his roots and Swedish heritage. He was a very strong individual who loved and cared for his family and many, many friends. He was a constant source of inspiration, and a prime example of a life fully and very well lived. Gil was never a spectator and was actively involved in Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, West Hartford Squires, Park Road Association, and a 49 year member of the West Hartford Exchange Club. He was a founder of the 144 elderly housing unit known as Capitol Towers, in Hartford, sponsored by Emanuel Lutheran Church. Gil graduated from Hall High school in 1939, and served in the Army Air Corp from 1942 – 1945. He was very proud of his days as a Boy Scout in Troop 29, and was a strong supporter of Scouting. Gil was a long time resident of West Hartford and past President of Liljedahl Bros, Inc., a prominent construction business in West Hartford, that was founded in 1931 by his father and uncles. He was involved in the construction and remodeling of many West Hartford homes, and other interesting projects such as the large pergola at Elizabeth Park. Gil strove for excellence and correct execution in all he did, there was no alternative. He was eager to share his great advice, and had terrific common sense and a passion for people. He found friends everywhere and left a positive impact on everyone he met. At 91 his motto "just keep going" had him riding on his lawn mower and planting vegetables on Monday night, May 20. Gil is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Keyes Liljedahl; and two sons, Richard Liljedahl of West Hartford, and Russell Liljedahl of Farmington. He was pre-dececased by his daughter, Nancy Liljedahl Wolcott in 1993. Gil is also survived by his daughters- in-law, Holly Aronson and Lanelle Gallo of Farmington; son-in-law, Jeff Wolcott of West Hartford; his very loving grandchildren, Drew and Linnea Liljedahl of Avon, Curtis Liljedahl, of San Francisco, CA, Margaret Liljedahl of Farmington, Kimberly Wolcott of West Hartford, Benjamin Liljedahl and Cole Liljedahl of Farmington, CT, Damian Campanella and James Campanella of Farmington; a very special great-grandson, Colton Liljedahl of Avon; and his sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Everett Johnson of West Hartford. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be Friday, May 24, 2013 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gil's favorite summer camp, Camp Calumet, P.O. Box 236, W. Ossipee, NH, 03890. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.