In Memory Of

Gary John Gibson

Nov 30, 1941 - Mar 2, 2025

Service

Monday, March 17, 2025
2:00 pm
Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 4908 50th Ave, Sylvan Lake, Alberta

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Gary John Gibson
November 30th, 1941 – March 2nd, 2025

After a battle with physical challenges, it is with deep sadness we announce the loss of Gary John Gibson, who passed peacefully at his home at Rimbey Long Term Care Centre of a cardiac event on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on November 30th, 1941, Gary is predeceased by his father Howard Gibson and mother Ruby Gibson (Overbo), his brother Terry Gibson, and too recently, daughter Cheryl Lukash (Gibson).

Gary leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Janice Gibson (Mathison), his son Jeff Gibson and wife Lorna Gibson of Sylvan Lake, and his beloved grandchildren Shaylee, Brayden, and Rylen, who were the light of his life.

Gary’s first years were spent in Vancouver, where his parents and aunt worked to support the war effort during WWII and raise the family until Gary was 5. They later moved to Edmonton for better opportunities and to be closer to Ruby's family. Younger brother Terry became successful in oil and gas and Gary graduated at U of A with a BSc in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he found his way to Halifax to work at the Bedford Oceanographic Institute. However, a family crisis soon brought him back to Edmonton, where he cared for his ailing father, Howard, until his passing. From then on, Gary undertook care of his mom Ruby and built a house for her and her adopted daughter Celeste wherever our family moved to.

Shortly after returning from Halifax, it was then at a mutual friends' wedding where Gary met the love of his life Janice and Gary began teaching at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. They married in 1966 and moved to the countryside near Sherwood Park. Starting out in a double garage and outhouse he built, they raised their children, Jeff and Cheryl, laying the foundation for a life full of adventure.

Gary eventually left teaching and took a bold step, moving the family to Red Deer to start a successful construction company. After years of hard work, he shifted gears once more and served as a Building Inspector for the City of Red Deer for 13 years. But Gary’s restless spirit never ceased. After studying the subject it wasn't long before he was running his own home based engineering business and became one of Canada’s leading experts on engineered wood foundations. Gary authored technical books, created several other business ventures and taught many seminars with Janice across provinces and the Yukon and Alaska. They loved travelling together, often camping as they went. Close to Gary's heart, they enjoyed years of working with First Nations and Metis peoples across Canada and Northern Alberta. His heart was always with the First Peoples. We thank you for your friendship with Dad.

Ever a thinker and endlessly coming up with business and book ideas, his energy would sometimes wear out his family but we knew this is what made dad tick and never kept us from supporting his dreams. Never afraid to fire off a letter to the Prime Minister or some Premier of the day, he exhibited strength of character and belief in the future. He was always driven by his constant optimism.

Gary was such a fun and loving dad and grandpa. His children fondly remember their camping trips and wild mountain adventures where they’d pitch their heavy canvas in the middle of the forest and watch for bears — those moments in nature were his joy. His storytelling, always much longer than promised, became legendary. Most dear to him were his stories about Chatty Chipmunk, Morty Moose, and Sammy Squirrel, which he shared with every child in his life. The animals, the trees, the lakes, the streams; this is where he felt God's presence most and was at peace.

Gary was a resilient, strong-willed, intellectual, and incredibly multi-talented man. His greatest gift, however, was his ability to teach and inspire others. His heart was devoted to educating and nurturing the minds of those around him, and he touched countless lives throughout his journey.

Gary will be remembered as a man of warmth, humor, and boundless curiosity—an inspiring teacher, a loving father, grandfather, husband, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and joy, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Our family is deeply, deeply grateful for the staff at Rimbey Long Term, the paramedics, surgeons, nurses, firemen, home support caregivers and so many others that worked so hard with so much compassion for the aged in our community, and for all of us. Thank you.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at 2:00pm on March 17th, 2025 at Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 4908 50th Ave, Sylvan Lake, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in his memory, especially the Alberta Humane Society which Gary always advocated for.

Condolences

Sharon Bolink:

Dear Jan, Jeff and Lorna, Shaylee,

I am saddened to hear of the loss of Gary, an inspiring and wise man. May you be granted God’s comfort as you mourn this loss.

Love,
Sharon

Grace Scheffelmair:

what wonderful memories, thanks for sharing. we are praying for God strength and Peace at this time of sadness .Love to both of you.

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