Laurin Gilbraith

Laurin A. Gilbraith, 91, Grand Forks, died Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at home.

 Laurin Arthur Gilbraith, along with his twin LaVina, was born to John “Toad” and Blanche (Link) Gilbraith in Odessa Township, ND on July 25, 1933. Laurin attended Crary Public School and graduated as Valedictorian of his class.

 Laurin married Carol Yvonne Johnson on May 21, 1955 at Warwick, ND. They lived on and assisted with the family farm until 1966 when they moved to Doyon, ND. Laurin got to work with some of his relatives while building roads throughout the state. His favorite smell was “the first cut on a dirt road”. He always took the opportunity on family drives to point out the roads he helped build. In 1972 Laurin moved his family to Grand Forks, ND. Laurin enjoyed many years working in construction, making many lifelong friends. He was a great builder of “family”. Laurin partnered with his brother Glenn and LeRoy Rud trimming trees for a number of years. Laurin’s favorite sound was the noise of a running chainsaw.

 Laurin was a man of many interests. He and Carol loved to go on fishing trips with their family for the Minnesota opener. They enjoyed attending their children’s and grandchildren’s many activities and celebrating their many accomplishments. He enjoyed reading, and even more so, being read to by his great-grandchildren. One of Laurin’s favorite places for making memories was in Fort Myers Beach with Jeff and Julie. Going on road trips to Mike and Sam’s “zoo” was always a treat. He cherished the time he got to spend in Owatonna with Tam and “Bear”, his Grands and Greats. Laurin loved to dance! He enjoyed making walking sticks, wooden flower stands, and other assorted wood crafts. After Carol’s passing, Laurin joined the “Tuesday Good Grief Group”, who became a part of his extended family. 

 Laurin is survived by his children: Mike (Samantha Senn), Mooreton, ND; Jeff, Grand Forks, ND; Tammy (Gary) Adams, Owatonna, MN; and, Julie, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren: Amanda (Chris) Behne, Owatonna, MN, and Andrew (Brady) Beenken-Adams, Owatonna, MN; great-grandchildren: Hannah, Aubree, and Kinslee Behne, Owatonna, MN. Laurin is also survived by his twin sister LaVina Burner; brother, Leon Gilbraith; and sister, Carolyn Held; as well as 2 sisters-in-law, Mary “Jane” Gilbraith and Shirley Gilbraith.

 Laurin was preceded in death by his siblings: Marjorie Koch, June Braaten, Dave, Max, Glenn, and Sylvia; daughter-in-law Charlotte; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2024 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.   Interment will be in Crary Community Cemetery, Crary, North Dakota.