Br. Gilbert Tovares of Our Lady of Solitude was born on February 25, 1929, in San Antonio, Texas and on January 30, 1940, became the adopted son of Damacio and Benita Perez Tovares. He served in the United States Navy, Airman Second Class from 1948 until 1952 when he was honorably discharged. After a period of four months in the novitiate of the Discalced Carmelites in Marylake, Arkansas and following studies at the Minor Seminary in Petersborough, New Hampshire, Br. Gilbert entered the novitiate in Waverly, New York. He made his first profession on March 19, 1966 and then entered the newly formed Brothers Formation Program at Holy Hill, Hubertus, Wisconsin (1966-1969) led by Fr. Kevin Culligan, Formation Director.

Fr. Kevin recalled those three years the two spent together at Holy Hill and then the following seven years they spent together at the desert community in Hinton, West Virginia. In total, Br. Gilbert spent 27 years at the Hinton monastery. Friars recall he was the community’s bedrock: he took care of the maintenance, the garden, the lawn mowing, the sacristy and did his share of shopping and cooking. Brother’s ministry also extended beyond the walls of the monastery - he knew the neighbors very well, bringing communion to the parishioners of St. Patrick’s and some of the locals of Hinton as well.

During his Funeral Mass, Fr. Kevin remembered Br. Gilbert for his gentleness, his respect and love for all God’s creation – people and animals, and his appreciation of poetry, history, music and art. Br. Gilbert was a gifted painter and his beautiful works continue to be a source of enjoyment for his friends, family and the Carmelite Community.

In 2013, Br. Gilbert accepted an invitation to transfer from Hinton to Washington DC. In 2015, Br. Gilbert entered St. Anne’s Home in Milwaukee and in 2024, moved to Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville, Maryland where he died on May 26, 2025. He is buried at the Carmelite Cemetery, Hubertus, Wisconsin.