It is with great sadness that the family of Gilbert W. Pasqua Jr. announce his sudden passing on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the age of 57. As a beloved father, brother and friend; Gilbert was a caring individual who embodied persistence which was formed by his faith in God. Over the years, he gained many friends throughout Indian country and was well-known and respected in the local community. All will remember Gilbert for his dedication working with tribes throughout the United States on environmental issues
Gilbert was born in Susanville CA on March 1, 1967 to Pauline Pasqua and Gilbert Pasqua Sr. He was of Paiute, Pit River, and Tewa Pueblo descent and was raised on the Susanville Indian Rancheria where he was a tribal member. He attended local elementary schools and graduated from Lassen High School (LHS) in 1985. While at LHS, he distinguished himself as an athlete. He won the Coaches Award and was part of the Grizzly football team that went on to win the Eastern Athletic League (and later California North Section Championship) in 1984.
Gilbert earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and & Safety Studies with a Minor in Ethnic Studies from the California State University, Sacramento in 1991. He continued to reside in Sacramento California until his untimely passing. Gilberts’ many years working in community development and environmental issues lead him to his most recent position as a Grants Manager with the Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters out of San Francisco where he worked for over 23 years. During that time, he received a number of accolades for all of his accomplishments. Among these honors, was the EPA National Honor Award which he received in 2013 in recognition of his leadership and cross-Agency collaboration in developing the Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System (TCOTS).
Gilbert is preceded in death by both parents, his grandfather Hilarion “Henry” Garces Pasqua, grandmother Isabelle Williams and many other family members. He is survived by his spouse, Tense Tucker, sons, Adam and Malachi Williams of Sacramento, daughter Maverick Pasqua of Sacramento, CA, and grandson Landen Idrogo-Williams. He will also be dearly missed by his sister Anna Pasqua, of Susanville CA, uncle Clarence Williams Pasqua of Bartlesville, OK, cousin Gregory Cajete, Santa Clara, NM, and numerous other family members and friends.
Gilbert was proud of his tribal ties and had the heart of a warrior in helping to keep tribal lands vibrant for future generations. He left a legacy of advocacy, tenacity and persistence in the protection of Tribal community interests and lands. He overcame many odds to complete his education and to advance issues facing tribal communities, which will be a long-standing testament to his strength and character. He will be greatly missed by all of those who were blessed to be part of his journey.
A Celebration of Gilberts’ life will begin on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 5:30pm with a Wake located at the Susanville Indian Rancheria (SIR) gym 845 Joaquin Street, Susanville, CA. His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 10:00am also at the SIR gym. His burial will be at the SIR Cemetery immediately following the Memorial Service.
