Born June 3, 1946, in Vancouver. Passed away peacefully at home in Victoria on October 6, 2025. Son of Earson and Dorothy Gibson. Raised in Kerrisdale. At 13 he was sent to Shawnigan Lake Boys School, where he got his first real taste of the Island. He drifted back here from time to time, and worked in all the basic B.C. industries (logging, saw and pulp mills, fishing (both sea and land), hard rock mining, construction, before talking and writing his way into a career in journalism, a trade that took him from the Merritt Herald to the Sydney Morning Herald, with a few stops in between, and ultimately back to the Island where he covered Dave Barrett’s Legislature for the News Radio group and CKDA. Back in Vancouver once again, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart Elizabeth Anne Day, and they married May 7, 1976. A year’s honeymoon on Mayne Island later, they moved to Victoria where their children Hayley Gibson (Neil MacCormick) and Earson Gibson (Susan Plant) were born.
Like many of his colleagues, Graydon went to work for the Provincial Government in various communications roles with the Ministries of Environment, Energy, and for 16 years Health, where he established the Health Files as the go-to source of plainly written information about public health issues.
Graydon and Liz had many adventures over their 49 years of marriage – cruises, trips to France and Italy, many winter holidays in Bucerias, Mexico and often Spring at Biennale in Venice. They were privileged to own the MV Rhinegold, the oldest (1910) still original small yacht on the West Coast, and cruised the Gulf Islands extensively, which ultimately led to many summers at their Pine Cone Palace on Piers Island.
Along the way, he sat on the Boards of the Maritime Museum of BC and the Greater Victoria Public Library, had an aldermanic run at City Hall, discovered golf, encouraged blood donors, and generally enjoyed life with Liz, raising their children and keeping active in the community.
He was an early advocate of all forms of renewable energy but came to believe that the only realistic replacement for carbon-based fuels was nuclear fission or fusion supporting a hydrogen-based economy.
Graydon had no sides to him. He was honest, and often outspoken (some would say too often), but always willing to hear the other side of the story. He also loved music and played the trumpet and 12 string guitars though he eschewed foisting his singing voice onto others. He was always listening to Venice Classic radio.
He was grateful every day for his luck in life, for being married to Liz, and for being able to watch his children grow up and make their way in life. He died a happy man.
He was a life member of the Maritime Museum of BC, the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS), and a long-time member of Royal Colwood Golf and Country Club and Royal Victoria Yacht Club, and more recently a member of the Union Club of British Columbia.
A Celebration of Graydon’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 3475 Ripon Road, Victoria, BC V8R 6H1 from 2:00pm-5:00pm
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Gibson” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
18 Responses
Dear Elizabeth.
I was very sorry to read of Graydon’s death recently. A fond memory was back in the 80’s. Graydon invited me aboard the Rhinegold. Incredible boat and generous man to share his depth of knowledge about her. I have never forgot that kindness. Sincere condolences to you and family.
James Thackray
Our sincere condolences to Elizabeth, Hayley, Neil, Earson and Susan.
It was so nice to read and learn about Graydon. What an amazing life he had! As a new neighbour, our interaction with Graydon was short, unfortunately. However, we look forward to knowing and sharing good times with Elizabeth.
Hoping everyone’s hearts are filled with love and memorable moments with Graydon.
David Berry
So many tributes here, and they’re all true. Graydon enriched all our lives with his kindness, intelligence, keen interest in life and sense of humour. I’ll treasure the memory of this fine friend and the wonderful times we enjoyed together over the years.
Dear Elizabeth,
We are so saddened to hear of Graydon’s passing. We fondly remember the occasions we had together. Our thoughts are with you, Hayley and Earson at this difficult time. Sending hugs to you all.
My sincere condolences to Liz and the rest of the family. This was a surprise to me, and an unwelcome one. I knew Graydon for several years at SLS, and then had an enjoyable reunion with him and several other old boys last year. It was wonderful reading about his adventures later in life and his great marriage. I certainly didn’t expect that he would leave us so soon. May he rest in peace, richly earned.
Dear Elizabeth and Family, I am saddened to hear of Graydon’s passing. What a great couple you were. May he rest in peace and Liz you have treasured memories. God bless you and your family especially at this sad time. Fond regards -Paddy Hyde
I am so sorry to hear about Graydon’s passing
Although I rarely saw Graydon We shared something great
He was married to my Cousin Elizabeth and we were both proud owners at different times of the oldest private Motoryacht in BC the MV “ Rhinegold”
It is rather ironic that on the day of his passing I was in Victoria for the Opening of the Fall Session of the BC Legislature which Graydon covered as a news Reporter in the early 1970’s
My warmest regards to my cousin Liz and her two children.
Sincerely,
Douglas R Day
Garry Curtis
I worked with Graydon many years ago in the Department of Health. I wanted to share with you a story involving Graydon that we have always treasured. One day my wife and I were driving down the road, I think it was Lansdowne, and we got a flat tire. We were on our way to catch the ferry and I was struggling to change the tire and Graydon came along. He was so kind as to take over the job. But what we remember so fondly is what he said when he was finished. He looked at me and recommended that I not give up my day job. It was so true, and we all laughed. We have often thought of this when we drive past the place where he changed our tire. It so reflected Graydon. So kind and a great sense of humor.