March 3, 1924 - April 4, 2013
It is with extreme sorrow that we announce the passing of John Gibbs, much loved husband, father, and grand father. Although he lived a full and interesting life and reached the wonderful age of 89 it still seemed too soon for him to go.
Born in Wales in 1924, he served during WWII in India and Malaya. John was married in 1954 to Caroline de Lancey Williams while studying medicine at Cambridge and boxing on the Cambridge boxing team. In 1958, John, Carol and their first 3 children emigrated to Canada, initially living and working in Montreal then crossing the country to Alberta where he worked as a professor of psychiatry at the U of A, had a dynamic private practice in Edmonton and later became the Medical Director of the Alberta Hospital Ponoka.
John was a person of many interests. He loved to read about a wide variety of subjects, some pertaining to his past profession as a psychiatrist, but also many other topics such as astronomy, physics and biology. He loved the natural beauty of Vancouver Island where he and his wife of nearly 60 years have lived since his retirement in 1984. John’s most pressing concerns however always seemed to involve his family. He often asked family members how he could help them and always showed concern and interest in the lives of all his family members.
He will be remembered for his ever present sense of humour, knowledge of history and poetry; lively story telling; dedication to composting, his love, care and concern for his family and enduring love and dedication to his wife Caroline.
John is survived by his wife, Caroline; children Simon (Chantal) of San Jose; Elizabeth (Bob) of Prince George; Diana of Parksville; Jennifer (Robert) of Bragg Creek; his brother Peter (Ray) of Castlgar; grandchildren: Gabrielle, Madeleine, Rachelle, Annick, Devin, Ryan, Antonia and Kaos Chuck; nephews: Robin Fox, Bill Adlard; nieces: Denise Gibbs Brown and Claire Loggie.
The family invites their friends to an open house on Friday, April 12th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm to
celebrate his life and memory.
To send a condolence to the family please visit
www.yatesfuneral.ca
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.