Couristan vet Gilbert passes at 99

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/11/2002 12:00:00 AM

FORT LEE, NJ —

Louis Gilbert died on Sept. 4 in San Mateo, CA.

Gilbert, who was a month shy of celebrating his 100th birthday, joined Couristan as a territory manager at the age of 72 and was still actively selling for the company at the age of 97. He began his tenure at Couristan following his retirement as an executive sales manager for Cinderella Dress, a high-end infantwear company in California.

Previously, he served as a gmm for Mandel Brothers department store in Chicago, where he was responsible for the operations of the company's New York offices.

"I remember Lou joining Couristan at the age of 72, not knowing anything about the rug and carpet industry," said Walter West, former president of Couristan, Inc. "It didn't take long before people on the West Coast began calling him Mr. Carpet."