Derek Richard Gibbons

Born May 18, 1927 in Manchester England, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on September 4, 2011 at Hospice. After serving in the R.A.F. for 10 years, Derek worked for A.V. Roe as an electronic engineer, until moving to Canada with his family in 1969. After working at U.B.C. on the TRIUMF project in the early 70’s, Dad went to work at the Cal. Center in 1972, and then in Ships’ Repair at DND, until his retirement in 1997, where he made many life-long friends. In his retirement years Dad was known by his shorts, and white legs, worn pretty much 24-7 summer and winter alike. (He did wear pajamas to bed). He enjoyed his long Sunday walks on local trails, which would ultimately be hours longer because he would stop and chat with everyone he met along the way. Dad always got “lost”, he liked to explore, family vacations were spent trying to find our way back to the main road, although we never had a 4 x 4 vehicle, we definitely could have used one! He’s explored most of the Island, and has probably walked it from downtown to Leech Town on the Galloping Goose trails. When I bought Dad a GPS for his 79th birthday, he complained that it didn’t tell him which lane he should be in, and wanted Mom back home from the hospital so she could be his navigator, that way it was her fault when they got lost. Dad was also known to try and improve every mechanical and electronic device on the planet (at least those within his reach). His own house was an on-going “project”, and Anne was careful to keep her own houses and vehicles off limits (although we did have a few “improvements”). Dad could solve every problem with his mathematical genius. Dad always wanted his children and grandchildren to have fun, ( so long as he approved) and achieve a good education. He always provided us with “practical” bicycles, vacations, a red slide in our small dining room (probably to keep us from sliding down the banister) when we were little, and he built a playground for Haylie when she was four, which she and Lanelle still enjoy. He always encouraged us to learn new things, and never hesitated to pay for educational courses and tools. Dad will be missed by too many people to list, he will forever have a place in our hearts as he watches over us all from heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Monday September 12, 2011 at 1:00 pm. A reception following the service at Anne & Don’s house. (I will bring copies of a map and directions for anyone who needs them). The family would like to thank all the dedicated caregivers and volunteers at Victoria Hospice for their caring service. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.