Donald GIBSON

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GIBSON: Donald “Don” John passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Don was born on June 24, 1936, at Miami, MB, receiving his education at Pomeroy and Tobacco Creek Schools, and graduating from Miami Collegiate. After serving five years in the RCAF, as an aero-engine technician, he returned to operate the family farm at Rosebank, MB. Don married Elaine Woods in 1963, and they were blessed with two daughters, Heather and Brenda. In 1967, Don and his family moved fromthe farm to Bryd Siding where he was employed by N.M. Paterson. He and Joe Nesbit led the 4-H Pony Club, performing the musical ride on various occasions. Upon a transfer to Emerson, MB, his heart turned back to farming where he worked for Newmans for a short while. In 1974, he purchased a dairy at Scarth, MB. Finding the workload very heavy, he sold the farm in 1980,and moved his family to Brandon where he was employed at the Brandon Research Station for 16 years, making many close friends, with a nick nameof “Gibby”, throwing in the odd fishing trip with them, and attending the annual curling weekend. Upon retirement in 1996, he fulfilled a longtime dream by joining Gagnon Farms custom combining for five months in the US and SK. Unable to return due to bad knees, he drove the combine for Krahn Farms and Leonard Lepp. His love for John Deere equipment continued to be strong and he collected many miniature tractors and combines over the years as well as attending tractor shows and expositions. He attended Ag Days faithfully, and was so excited this year to get there with the help of his respite worker. Don looked forward to the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, attending the breakfast, the fiddle contest, working at the Seed Show, as well as checking out the heavy horses. In 1990, Don was privileged to attend the 50 years of Flight Training at Portage La Prairie, and reminisce with fellow workers. Don loved the fiddle and Don Messer, and never missing the Miami Fiddle Festival with his close friend, Winston Simpson. He had a good ear for music and judged many a fiddle contest. Many years he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family at William Lake and Rivers, and if there was an Air Show nearby, it was marked on the calendar, a must to go. On his 70th birthday, he threw his own party, and what a party, with old and new friends and relatives, some of which are now gone. In 2007, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. However, he faithfully joined the boys at McDonald’s for coffee and sometimes birthday cake! He also looked forward to the Research Station Retiree Breakfast each month. His love for the Lord and his strong faith carried him through the tough days and he always had a smile on his face and time to visit with his many friends. He enjoyed his furry companions, Bailey, who passed away in 2010, and his new Lady Lacey, who helped brighten his day and shared his popcorn! He is survived by his wife Elaine, and daughters Heather and Brenda. He is also survived by brothers-in-laws, Barry (Alice), Gren, and Keith, sisters-in-laws, Irene and Pat Gibson, and Lucille Woods, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Mary Gibson, brothers Nelson and Ken, father and mother-in-law, Norval and Muriel Woods, brother-in-law Blake Woods, sisters-in-law Joy and Arlene Woods, nieces, Linda Diane Woods, and Nicole Stuart. A celebration of Don's life was held at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, with Pastor Daryl McAuley officiating. Interment took place at Brandon Cemetery prior to the service. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Don to the Parkinson’s Society of Manitoba, 7-414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R2J1P2, or the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 415-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A2W8. Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 03, 2012