Gilbert B. Lenert

Gilbert B. Lenert, 91, passed away on January 15, 2015. He moved from his birthplace of Madison, Wisconsin to Albuquerque in the early1950s to work as an Engineer at Sandia Labs. From then on, although he traveled extensively all over the world, he considered New Mexico his home. Before marrying the late Ellen Lenert on January 8, 1954, he courted her by flying himself back and forth to Wisconsin to ask her to join him in marriage and Albuquerque. They were wed in the chapel at Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe and celebrated their anniversary there for many years after. Gil recently got a tour of Bishop’s Lodge and was so happy to see the old place again. In addition to his achievements as an accomplished scientist and engineer, he was an avid amateur photographer, garnering many awards for his work. Gil was a nationally known and respected concert violinist. Some of his closest nonmusical friends, however inaccurate, often referred to him as “maestro” as a sign of affection and respect for his talent. He began his musical career at a young age in Wisconsin amateur music groups, winning competitions and demonstrating his skill. He later joined the Milwaukee Symphony. After arriving in NM, Gil devoted all his free time first to the Albuquerque Civic Symphony, then the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra, and later the Roswell Symphony and the San Juan Symphony, always playing in the first violin section. He also led numerous String Quartets, including the Lene Quartet. He spent many years playing chamber music at Chamberre in the Rockies in Colorado. He was a consummate teacher and has left behind many accomplished students who carry on his techniques and love of music. Gil retired from Sandia many years ago to care for his ailing wife and was by her side when she passed in 2007. His parents, Joseph and Bessy Lenert, also preceded him in death. He is survived by one niece, Nancy Jaeger of Brookfield, WI and a cousin, Ruth Tuma of Naperville, IL. He also leaves behind Elaine Armer, who cared for Ellen for years and became part of their family, along with her six sons Tim, Dan and Steve Pat, Jim and Tom, who consider him an extra grandfather. His bakery family, his musical family, his caregiver family, his favorite restaurants family and all his friends who took him into their hearts and considered him a part of their family will miss him. Gil was loved and respected by all who knew him. Gil had a quick wit, insatiable curiosity, a rapier sharp mind, a drive for perfection, a wonderful appetite, and a charming smile. He was complicated and simple all at the same time. Gil was a very special person - entertaining, whether around the dinner table or performing his music, always appreciative of the beautiful Sandia mountains or a New Mexico sunset, concerned for anyone trying to help him, and never, never, never giving up. All who knew Gilbert B. Lenert received a gift. And all who knew him will miss him and remember him with tears and a smile. Join us to celebrate Gil’s life and music on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make donations to anything musical.