Gilbert Edward Korenblat, Age 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 2:30 pm in the presence of his beloved wife, Pamela. Born to immigrant parents, Gilbert was a lifelong resident of Little Rock, where he attended public schools and was among the first graduating class of Hall High. Gilbert earned his Bachelor's in Business from the University of Miami in 1963 and immediately went to work, joining his brother at IK Electric Company. He had a larger-than-life presence and was a gifted storyteller and cook. Known for his love of planes and flying (he earned his license at 15), Gilbert was a multi-engine-rated pilot, accumulating over 25,000 hours flight time. A true outdoorsman who shared and instilled his love of outdoor recreation in his children, Gilbert was an avid duck hunter and conservationist, snow skier, water skier, fisherman and golfer who made a hole in one! He enjoyed art and music, and adored animals, raising a litany of notorious household pets including TC (The Cat), BD (Black Dog), OD (Other Dog), and his current best friend of 42 dog-years: Lucy the labradoodle.

Gilbert was a business owner, entrepreneur, engineer and active member of the community. In his lifetime he served as VP of I.K. Electric Company and founder of North American Metals, a foundry and die-cast aluminum manufacturer. His company Component Marketing, from which he just retired this year, was the first commercial embroidery operation in Arkansas. His accomplishments include serving as Chairman of Trustees at Arkansas Museum of Science and History, President of the Society of Die Casting Engineers, sitting on several construction boards, including Temple B'Nai Israel and Union Bank. He was instrumental in lighting the caverns at Blanchard Springs.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years: Pamela Dean Korenblat, Daughters: Amy (Chris) Russell, Ellen (Luke) Kramer and son: David (Betsy) Korenblat, all of Little Rock, 5 grandchildren: Alex (Michael) Sloan of Fayetteville, Bethany Russell, Henry and Tess Kramer, Jackson Korenblat and Great-grandchild, Arthur Sloan, three nephews, one niece, a beloved cousin: Doris Tenzel of Nashville, TN and Sister-in-Law: Bettye Korenblat of Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents: Albert I. and Eva Lane Korenblat, Sister: Reeda Raff, Brother: Arthur Edwin Korenblat and two grandchildren: Ashtyn Russell and Forrest Abrams.

Gilbert will be laid to rest observed by close friends and family at Oakland Jewish Cemetery at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct 18, 2018 followed by a memorial and reception at Temple B'Nai Israel at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to your favorite charity or local Humane Society