We Remember
GIBSON, Robert Ian Alaistair
August 23, 1928 — October 27, 2016
Robert “Bob” Gibson was released from the grip of ALS and into the arms of his Lord on October 27, 2016 at The Village at Smith Creek, West Kelowna, BC. Gracious to the end, Bob epitomized strength and compassion for those around him in the care home while he himself was suffering. His calling to be a Reverend, mentor, confidant and “father figure” were not diminished by the disease that took him. Family, friends, and caregivers who shared his journey marvelled at his resilience and have come to truly understand the two words…”Gracious Gentleman.” We will forever be impacted. Bob was born August 23, 1928 in Montreal, Quebec. He married his sweetheart Eileen Scott of Montreal on September 11, 1954. They brought three wonderful daughters into the world – Heather, Valerie and Cynthia. The family lost Heather in 1992 and his beloved bride Eileen of over 50 years in 2005. They are both sorely missed. Bob also lost two of his dear brothers, Ronnie Gibson of Nanaimo, BC and David Gibson of Kanata, Ontario. Both were lost far too soon. After working for Northern Electric for 40 years in Quebec and Ontario and obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree, Bob felt the calling to the Christian ministry in the early 80’s. Over a period of 4 years he studied to become an ordained Minister so he could serve his Lord after his early retirement from the business world. Ministering in Ontario and British Columbia, Bob served His calling with joy and dedication.
His absence will be felt by so many, his family, his friends, his flock. Bob leaves behind his two daughters Val Gibson of Nelson, BC and Cynthia Gibson of Kelowna, BC; brother Malcolm Gibson (Mada) of Calgary, Alberta; sister-in-law Marianne Gibson of Kanata, Ontario; sister-in-law Corrine Gibson of Nanaimo, BC; and numerous nieces and nephews from Toronto to Nanaimo.
We would like to recognize The Village at Smith Creek in West Kelowna, BC. The entire staff provided care that was remarkable. They made the last 6 months of Bob’s life as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We are so grateful for the dedication and love shown to our Dad.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS society www.alsbc.ca/donate.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 7:00-8:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, Kelowna, BC with a memorial service following on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11:00 am at Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Drive, Kelowna. Interment will be held privately.
Visitation
Friday, November 4, 2016 from 7:00-8:00 pm
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC)
Service
Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11:00 am
Location
Evangel Church
Share with Others:
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS society. Link: www.alsbc.ca/donate
Service Information
Service Details
The service for GIBSON, Robert Ian Alaistair is scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Evangel Church
3261 Gordon Drive Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
words fall short for expressing our sorrow on your loss. Bob was always a gentle friend who gave a warm smile, a word of encouragement and a big hug….his love for Eileen was always such an example to us. He will be rejoicing with Eileen in heaven. Our prayers are with you all
Robert Ian Alaistair Gibson, otherwise known as RIAG
A dear friend across the decades, since the 30’s that is the 1930’s not the 1830’s.
Our sincere condolences to Val and Cynthia on the passing of your beloved father.
We (Bob and Gordon) used to meet at noon on the banks of the Montreal Aquaduct, where we read the short epistles of the new testament and have prayer before we dispersed back to work.
Bob was a dear friend of ours through out his lifetime. Although for most of our lives we have not lived in the same city or even province. Separated by the wide expanse of the prairies, our friendship remained strong. We will meet again in our heavenly home by the grace of our Lord.
May your many happy memories and your faith uphold you at this sad time.
Yours in Christ,
Jean and Gordon Allan
I first knew him as R.I.A. GIbson. I worked for RIA as his admin for many years at Nortel. He was such a lovely and gracious man. He ministered to me as a boss and then as a pastor. I will always be grateful to him for his friendship. He truly was a gentle giant. My sympathies go out to his family. He is now reunited with Eileen, Heather and his brothers.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bob. He was such a dear man, always encouraging, cheerful and steadfast in his faith.
ALS is a very difficult journey for both the afflicted one and their family. I know – my mother died of ALS 3 years ago.
My mother and I met Bob and his dear friend Mary Appling at Willow Park Church South. We enjoyed many lovely dinners together. Now all three are reunited in heaven. Happy for them, but sad for us.
Cynthia and Val, please contact me if you’d like to talk with someone who understands the experience of caring for and losing a parent with ALS.
Bob was one of those few people in life whom I felt I knew well, long before I ever physically met him. He was an expert genealogist. He did extensive work on the Scott and Hocquard families of the Gaspe peninsula (Eileen’s family links) and most of these people coincide with my ancestry.
He did his work long before the internet came along; he wrote hundreds of letters and met and spoke with people in order to construct family trees. I found some of his work in the 1970’s and it served as an example for me as I researched my ancestry.
I had met Eileen and her father in the Gaspe at some point when I was a child but I didn’t meet Bob until Susan and I moved to West Kelowna in 2007. We did manage to meet on a few occasions after that to discuss our research activities. My life was certainly enriched by having known him.
Our condolences to Cynthia and Val.