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.
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James Thackray
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Karin, Joy, Vida & Neha 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.
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David Berry 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.
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James & Louise Houston 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.
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Rick Anderson 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.
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Paddy Hyde 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
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Douglas R Day 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
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Garry Curtis 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.
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Richard Austin Family and friends of Graydon
Saddened to read of Graydon’s passing, my condolences are conveyed to his family and friends.
Graydon and I had two very distinct common threads: first, both were long-time members of Royal Colwood GC. Second, we both spent time in Sami on the island of Cephalonia, Greece. The latter always brought a smile to our faces when we met. We often pondered how many people actually knew of Sami’s existence -location.
Will miss our brief chats and his dry sense of humor. Rest in peace, my friend.
Richard (Dick) Austin
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Pietro and Angie Granziera Dear Elizabeth, Earson and Hayley, our most heartfelt condolences to you all. Graydon will be greatly missed by all of us who were privileged to have known him. We have so many fond memories of time we spent together whether in Mexico or here in Victoria with you both. Now it’s important to focus on the good memories and wonderful life you have had together. Graydon will always hold a special place in our hearts. Rest in Peace Graydon.
Your friends for life…Pietro & Angie
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Bruce Brown Dear Liz and family
Carol and I send our sincere condolences about Graydon’s passing. We will always remember Graydon as a wonderful person who loved his family dearly. We had many enjoyable family get togethers over the years. Bruce and Graydon shared so many great days together, from rounds at Royal Colwood to their unforgettable trip to Scotland and the home of golf at St. Andrews. Graydon’s love for the game was matched only by his good humour and his competitive spirit, whether he had a club in his hands or a handful of cards during one of the many games.
Graydon had a way of making every moment lighter, every gathering better and he never turned down an order of chicken wings. Those simple pleasures, the laughter, and the camaraderie we shared with Graydon will stay with us forever.
He was more than just a golf buddy; he was a true friend, and we’ll miss him deeply.
Bruce and Carol Brown
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ANNA DA SCHIO Graydon Gibson was a thorougly nice person and I’m very sorry to hear that he has passed away. I never knew about his impressive achievements: he was a guest of my house, an interesting, intelligent, sympathetic man with an entertaining sense of humour. I’m sorry for Elizabeth and their children!
Contessa Anna da Schio
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Kalen Day I Love you uncle Graydon. I have a lifetime of fun memories with you that will never be forgotten. You were a kind and generous man and I always enjoyed our time together. Rip my dear uncle.
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Steve and Pam Alford Dear sweet, kind and generous Graydon – rest in peace and beautiful comfort.
Dear Elizabeth, Hayley and Neil, Earson and Susan – our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you all for your mammoth loss. We know how much Graydon meant to all of you and how much he’ll be missed. Steve and I are missing him too. We will remember Graydon for his loyalty and commitment to all the people in his life, for his kindness, his clever wit, his thirst for fun, his sense of humor and, in the end, his strength and courage.
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Heather Atkinson A wonderful gentleman – I will miss him ! Warmest wishes to all the family!
Xox Heather
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John Hampshire It’s with a heavy heart that I learn of the departure of my old mate Graydon, whom I had hoped to visit one more time next year. Half a century ago we met as young journalists at The Sydney Morning Herald and instantly clicked into a friendship based on respect and above all, a shared sense of very dry humour. He also had a 12-string guitar and a set of finger picks that made him a must-have guest at any gathering! My last image of him then was as he took off on his Honda motorcycle, guitar strapped to his back, as he headed for Darwin then Singapore to continue his travels.
Many years later my snow-loving son toured the US before finishing up as a ski and snowboard instructor at Whistler, becoming a Canadian citizen and producing a granddaughter for me before settling in Pemberton BC. This provided the perfect excuse for me, my wife Sheila and young daughter Laura to catch up once more with Graydon and Liz in Victoria, and enjoy their impeccable hospitality. If anyone on this planet deserved to die a happy man, it was you. Ave atque vale, old friend. My deepest condolences to Liz, Hayley and Earson.
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Margot Millen My dear Dizzie,
My heart felt condolences to you and your beautiful family.
You and Graydon had 40 amazing years together and built such a legacy for you and the children.
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John Pickersgill & Penny Allport Penny & myself have had the pleasure of being neighbors to Graydon & Elizabeth for the last 8 years. Trips back & forth to each others homes, dinners out, even a night dancing at the Oaks. It has been a treasure to be part of Graydon’s life. Blessings and best wishes on this next Journey.
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