The city of Gig Harbor hosted a tribute in December to Mayor Gretchen Wilbert, who after four terms in the office did not run for re-election in 2005. Wilbert, who described her job as being a referee, started her first term when Gig Harbor had just one city park and hardly any sidewalks. During her 16 years in office, the city saw a tremendous amount of commercial and residential development and growth, while new roads were built and new parks were acquired.

A full house packed the Gig Harbor Civic Center to thank her for the many projects she had supported, including a senior center now planned in the city and a Boys and Girls Club.

Wilbert, a former kindergarten teacher, was credited with inspiring many civic leaders in the community along with implementing many visions she had for Gig Harbor. She could be spotted at various community events where she showed her support - and with grace and humor was even known to belly dance and try her feet at clogging. Wilbert was never short of ideas on how to make Gig Harbor a better place, and even as she was getting ready for “retirement” from public office she used her creative thinking to support one of her many causes: She donated memorabilia collected during her years in service to Altrust International of Gig Harbor for a fund-raiser.