Reg Gibson
Reg Gibson, a lifetime resident of the area,
passed away suddenly at Winchester District Memorial Hospital
on Tue., Oct. 16, 2007. He was 66.
He was born in Winchester on Dec. 28, 1940 to Herb and Annie Gibson.
He was a bright, kind, attentive, and unmischievious student in
school. According to his teacher June Gibson he had the ability
after totally distracting the class to repeat the entire lesson
word for word when she asked him to do so.
On Nov. 16, 1962 he married Joyce Ann Strader and together they
had two children Dana and Sam.
He was always quick with a joke, or to describe in his own linguistic
way a point of view, opinion, or a reality. His family joked with
him about making a book of "the phrases of Reg" because
his sayings always made people laugh. He always knew his own mind,
and he saw no reason why he shouldn't express it. He could be
sympathetic, realistic, and heartfelt and then of course followed
up with humour, a joke, and more frank advice.
He was always there to lend an ear or assistance in his own particular
way. He was giving, expecting little in return except for possibly
some conversation when he was bored or lonely. He was well known
and he was a friend to many people. It did not matter where he
was; he always managed to meet someone he knew. He was full of
stories and he liked to reflect and give advice. He loved to eat,
and he enjoyed sending and receiving e-mails to and from his many
online buddies. He loved to buy "toys" such as motorcycles,
four-wheelers, and snowmobiles, and he loved animals, especially
his beagles.
Reg had a wonderful and loving life with Jo. For 35 years they
shared a union to be envied, a true testament to wedding vows.
They were deeply in love and built a loving home where everyone
was always welcome and he most certainly felt the void of Jo's
passing.
His accomplishments were many. Most importantly he was a loving
husband, father, and grandfather. He worked at Bell Canada for
32 years. After retiring, he worked as a transport and bus driver.
He enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He was involved in sports: coaching,
refereeing, and running the time clock for Hawks' games. He served
as merry old Saint Nick on many occasions. He was a member of
Henderson Masonic Lodge. And he served as master of ceremonies
at many family and Bell Canada events. He enjoyed many trips
to Tim Hortons for a large double, double and together with his
family they shared many good times at the cottage. He loved music
and he was always listening to it. He also loved antiques and
memorabilia and his house was full of it. He had a vast knowledge
of cars, tractors, and trucks and he was always looking for that
special old pickup truck.
He was predeceased by his wife Jo on Aug. 5, 1998. He is survived
by his children Dana (Gary) McMillan of Williamsburg, and Sam
(Cheryl) of Inkerman, his siblings Jack (June) of Winchester,
Bill (Ruth) of Perth, Joan Hewitt of McDonald's Corners, and Bob
(Janet) of Lunenburg, and his grandchildren Grant, Kristen, Kirk,
and Rachel. He was predeceased by his parents Herbert and Annie
Gibson (nee Robinson). He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg
on Oct. 18. The funeral service was held at Williamsburg United
Church on Oct. 19 with Rev. Elaine Beattie officiating, followed
by cremation. The pallbearers were Grant McMillan, Kirk Gibson,
Steve Gibson, Ron Gibson, Rick Markell, Darrin Dugan, and Dan
Dugan. The honourary pallbearers were Kristen McMillan and Rachel
Gibson.
Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or the C.N.I.B.
would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.