Gilbert Zamora Jr.

The world gained another eye in the sky on Monday, October 13, 2025, when Gilbert Zamora, Jr., age 68, of Cottage Grove, unexpectedly passed away at home in his sleep.

Gil will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Better known as Gil, the "Flyin' Hawaiian" or in recent years, "Baba", he was born to the late Gilbert and Irene (Morales) Zamora in Glendale, California on April 30, 1957. Gil will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, with full military honors, early next summer.

Born an "Army Brat", Gil grew up on various Army installations in the United States and Europe. He spent most of his high school years in Frankfurt, Germany, but moved to Washington state during his senior year and graduated from Lakes High School. Upon completing the ROTC program and earning a bachelor's degree in Meteorology at the University of Hawaii, Gil was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. His dream of flying was realized when he received his first assignment as an F-4 phantom Weapon Systems Officer, eventually transitioning to the F-4G "Wild Weasel", logging over 2,000 hours in the fighter aircraft. He proudly served his country for 21 years, earning many awards and medals and retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Undergraduate studies and the Hawaiian islands brought Gil and the love of his life together by chance in the summer of 1979. He and Renee (Sharrow) Zamora married one year later, on June 7, 1980. Together, they raised three children while Gil served in Europe and California, before the family eventually settled in Minnesota.

Nothing mattered more to Gil than family, and you did not have to be a blood relative to earn that designation. His favorite comfort was sharing stories over a delicious meal with family and friends. Always at the center of social events, Gil was chock full of stories that would make you belly laugh, even if you had heard them 100 times before. Anyone who was fortunate enough to hear him will always remember the unique spin he added, very entertaining but scarcely ever entirely factual.

Gil will always be remembered as a generous provider who made sure his family was well cared for, and later in life, a new generation was the recipient of that love. Gil loved spending time with his grandchildren; often sneaking them sips of "Baba Juice"(diet Pepsi), stealing extra bisous (kisses), and teasing and tickling until the room was filled with giggles.

Gil's lifelong pride in the military extended well beyond his years on active duty. In retirement he enjoyed collecting and trading Air Force patches and catching up with his squadron buddies through regular phone calls, Facebook groups, and visits whenever possible. The military was more than an opportunity for him to defend his nation, as those he served with became and remain his brethren.

Gil is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Renee; children, Erick (Samantha) Zamora, Kimberly (Greg) Zamora Pearson, and Nicholas (fiance Anika Ludwig) Zamora; three grandchildren; siblings, Richard Zamora, Michelle Zamora, Robert Zamora, and Ronald Zamora. In addition to his parents, Gil is preceded in death by his sister, Carmen Santana.

If your first reaction to the news of Gil's passing was "YGBSM", you were a true friend.