GIBSON; Barry Charles
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Gibson at 77 years young. His final days were spent surrounded by three generations of family and the wonderful staff at Holmberg House Hospice in Abbotsford, BC. Barry was born June 13, 1939 in Winnipeg, where he was raised by George and Edith in Norwood, and is survived by two brothers and a sister (Harvey, George, and Margret Ann). He attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) in 1965. Barry married Katherine-Mary Anderson July 16, 1966. Through work with Shell Oil, they lived in a number of locations in western Canada (Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Winnipeg) and raised three boys (Paul, Joel, and Andrew). Cottage life and retirement also saw them move around, gathering new friends and experiences in Pigeon Lake, AB, Matlock, MB, Seminole, FL, and Abbotsford, BC. Always active, and an accomplished athlete, Barry won championships in basketball with the U of M Bisons, as well as medals in tennis, softball and horseshoes at the Manitoba 55 Plus Games and the Canada Senior Games. His love for sports went beyond playing, as Barry coached baseball and hockey, often with two of his sons’ teams every season. Barry was an amazing father, father-in-law (Cory and Liz), and grandfather of eight (Jodie, Jaimie, Mason, Tyson, Kieran, Owen, Madison, and Brody). He was always there to lend an ear and a helping hand. His generosity went beyond family. Anyone who was lucky enough to know him knew they could count on him for help at any time, with anything. Barry’s friendliness was truly without compare. He made friends quickly and kept them for life. Barry’s wife of 50 years, Kathy, passed away a short three months ago. He missed her tremendously. He felt that they had many more experiences, conversations, and laughs yet to share. We take solace in the fact that their cremains will be interred side by side, together for eternity. A celebration of his life will take place at Mt. Lehman United Church, 6256 Mount Lehman Road, Abbotsford BC, on Thursday, September 8, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Abbotsford Hospice Society and Holmberg House
32780 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 1J7
www.abbotsfordhospice.org