Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ralph Gibson Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Gibson
Jean Parr
January 5, 2010
Even tho. I never got to see Duane after I left Mt. Carmel, I always heard about him from my Grandmother True Parr & his Mother Aunt Ruby when I would visit them. I never got to meet Duane (the name I always heard when young)when I visited my sister & brother after they moved to Tucson. I feel like I missed a lot by not knowing him better. I wish you & your family the very best.
Teresa Carter
January 3, 2010
Donna,Hoot told so many stories, but one of my favorites was the one of how he wanted you for his wife! He was an inspiration to all! And we are better people for knowing him! I am blessed to have had the priviledge of working with him for so many years. He was one of the most incredible men I have ever know. Our prayers and thoughts will always be with you and your family. He was loved by so many!
Neal Hicks
January 2, 2010
Donna, As the new year dawns, I wish you the best. My memories of Hoot still live on, and will forever. He was such a champion.
Jim LaChance LTC. USAF RET.
February 1, 2009
I had the honor of flying Col. Gibson's wing a few times while at Nellis AFB in 1959. God may have made a few pilots as good, but I never met one, and in my career I was fortunate to have met many great fighter pilots.
Suzanne Cronin
January 16, 2009
I am sorry for your family's loss; I hope you don't mind, but I saw Hoot's name and story in the paper in Michigan and it startled me because we were neighbors in the 40's in Chicago of Fern and Hoot Gibson. They were wonderful to us as kids and if they were relatives, thank you.
Dick & Dee Pfeiffer
January 13, 2009
As in life, “Hoot” remains an inspiration to us all. Never wavering in his love of country, thirst for success and passion for flying. We are better people for having known Hoot and will always be grateful for the times we shared with Hoot and Donna.
Barry Howard
January 13, 2009
I was shocked at the lose of "Hoot" Gibson, one of the few I call a hero like Bud Day! He was truly what a "Hollywood Fighter Pilot" should be and he set the example for all of us younger fighter pilots.
He always Checked Six,
Barry Howard, Col (R)
Mark Dorman
January 13, 2009
Hoot made us proud. He was what most of us only dream of being, a true American hero. He was John Wayne in the flesh! God Speed!
Edward Gibson Hamm
January 13, 2009
Dear Aunt Donna, I had just started emailing uncle Hoot a short time ago, I wish I had known him better, Many people loved him
My brother, Hoot, early in his career
January 12, 2009
DeeDee Hamm
January 12, 2009
Aunt Donna,
I am proud to have had such a great man as my uncle. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ray H. Bryant Col USAF Ret
January 12, 2009
Hoot Gibson, an inspired man who was a great mentor and source of inspiration for all of us who were privledged to know him.
Mike Zonnefeld
January 12, 2009
Lillian and I had the pleasure of being two of Hoot's many friends. A gentleman in every sense of the word. A great American warrior and hero whose modesty concerning his exploits is legendary! A true giant among men. I consider it one of my lifes greatest honors to sing at Hoots memorial!
God Speed Hoot!
Tim Boddie, BGen USAF Ret.
January 12, 2009
Mattye and I extend our deepest sympathies in the loss of Hoot. He was a friend and one of our heroes. May God give you strength during this time of sorrow.
Hal Hoxie
January 12, 2009
God Blessed Hoot Gibson in life. I pray God is with him in the next life. I wish I could be there in person but I am with him in spirit
Len (Shaky) Reed
January 11, 2009
Donna, my brother Jack flew for Hoot while stationed at Bitberg AB Germany and I had the honor to fly for him at DM AFB AZ. The pleasure was all mine. He was a true leader and gentleman with not an unkind word for to anyone. This world could use a lot more Hoots. With deepest sympathy, Fellow River Rat,
Leonard “Shaky” Reed Ret.
Dave Brokaw
January 10, 2009
As a fellow member of Executives International, I enjoyed the years of conversation among the members, and particularly Hoot's many stories of his service years, as well as his unbounded enthusiasm for successful completion of every project he undertook. While I have been out of active connection for the past almost five years, I have often thought about times with Hoot and the IE group. Hoot will be much missed!!!
Noni Bohonak
January 10, 2009
My cousin, Tibbie, was married to his brother, who was a Navy pilot. Although I never met Hoot, Tibbie has told me all about him. He was certainly an American hero. When I see the Thunderbirds, I always think of him and will continue to do so!
Walt & Rose Marie Giorgianni
January 10, 2009
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family. We met "Hoot" 30 years ago; had several real estate transactions with him. We both went into the real estate business about the same time. "Hoot" was always a pleasure to work with, made everyone feel at ease, he will truly be missed by us and all his friends and family.
Jean Parr
January 10, 2009
You have my sincere sympathy. My Dad was Duane's 1st cousin. I never knew him myself really as I was only 8 yrs. old when he joined the service. I always heard about him tho from my Grandma True & his mother, Aunt Ruby. I was always proud of him & wish I could have really known him. From everything here I would say he really was a true hero. Again, my sympathies to you and to Will & Opal. You must be very proud of him.
Richard (Dick) Reese Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.)
January 9, 2009
A great American aviator has 'gone west'. He will be missed by all who knew and/or flew with him. Happy Landings, Hoot.
The Ford Family
January 9, 2009
It was such a shock to here, We send our deepest sympathy to all Hoot's family and friends, he was a very encouraging man and always followed my son's basketball stats and said that after my son graduates in 2011 that he hopes to see him play for the U of A team. I pray that it may come true and as everyone already knows, Mr hoot Gibson has blessed our lives and hearts. He will be missed.
Wes Stolsek
January 9, 2009
Donna, Scott, Duane, & Craig, My mother and I were very saddened to hear about your loss. Hoot was a great mentor to many and a great hero to many as well. Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you
Tom Hedgecock, Lt. Col., USAF Retired
January 9, 2009
Colonel Gibson was my Squadron Commander when I was assigned to the 433TFS in 1968. He was by far one of the most down to earth and inspiring gentleman I ever had the privilege of serving with during my Air Force career. Being a son of Satan’s Angels, which was our squadron’s symbol, and being one of Ole Hoot Gibson’s boys was an honor I will always cherish. May God Bless you Colonel Gibson as He has blessed all who had the honor of knowing you.
Cindy Cartwright
January 9, 2009
I met Hoot Gibson one day by chance while driving around looking for property and taking photos of the landscape in the far east side of Tucson, near the Rincon Mountains. He was on his way down the long road that leads to his home. He pulled over and introduced himself and offered his services as a realtor and chatted to my husband and I for a while.
He was very personable and very kind and soft spoken. Even in the very short time that we spoke he left an impression, telling us about the surrounding Tucson area and the history behind it. His name was one you would never forget. I had no idea he had such an admirable past and a life filled with adventure. I am very sorry for your loss but am very happy to have met him, even for just that brief moment in time.
Cindy Cartwright
January 9, 2009
I met Hoot Gibson one day by chance while driving around looking for property and taking photos of the landscape in the far east side of Tucson, near the Rincon Mountains. He was on his way down the long road that leads to his home. He pulled over and introduced himself and offered his services as a realtor and chatted to my husband and I for a while.
He was very personable and very kind and soft spoken. Even in the very short time that we spoke he left an impression, telling us about the surrounding Tucson area and the history behind it. His name was one you would never forget. I had no idea had such an admirable past. I am very sorry for your loss but am very happy to have met him, even for just that brief moment in time.
Fred & Mary Baum
January 9, 2009
Donna and Family
I am sorry we was not able to attend Hoots service, please accept our condolences. It was our pleasure to have know Hoot through the Cabs.
Cindy Cartwright
January 9, 2009
I met Hoot Gibson one day by chance while driving around looking for property and taking photos of the landscape in the far east side of Tucson, near the Rincon Mountains. He was on his way down the long road that leads to his home. He offered his services as a realtor and chatted to my husband and I for a while.
He was very personable and very kind and soft spoken. Even in the very short time that we spoke he left an impression, telling us about the surrounding Tucson area and the history behind it. His name was one you would never forget. I had no idea had such an admirable past and a life filled with adventure. I am very sorry for your loss but am very happy to have met him, even for just that brief moment in time.
Patti Bates
January 9, 2009
HOOT was a wonderful man. I just met him 6 years ago, thru my brother, John, but has been known to my family for years. Hoot help me purchase my home here in Tucson, and was so very kind and thoughtful. He will truely be missed by all. God bless him.
RICHARD KELEMEN
January 9, 2009
iT HAS BEEN MY PRIVELEDGE TO HAVE KNOWN THE GREAT MAN. hE KNEW MY FATHER-IN-LAW, A FELLOW PILOT IN THE AIR FORCE.
mY WIFE AND HIM WOULD TRADE STORIES ABOUT THE DIFFERENT AIR BASES THEY WERE STATIONED AT.
HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY, I FOR ONE WILL EVER FORGET HIM. I TRULY ENJOYED MY TIME WITH HIM, AND THOSE DAYS ON OUR CABALLEROS TRIPS AND HIM GETTING HIS VANILA ICE CREAM.
Gregory Gaunt
January 8, 2009
Colonel, you sold a home to a co-worker in 2001. He's moved on from here but I will be there in his place, as a representative of your USAF community.
Budd Amundson
January 8, 2009
Dear Donna,
My thoughts are with you in the loss of a wonderful friend to me and all the people Hoot touched with his kindness and worldly giving. Sincerely, Budd
Walter Cook U.S.A.F.
January 8, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
January 8, 2009
I was a fighter-pilot for thirty years and consider myself blessed to have met Hoot in the early eighties. He had flown Sabres the same time my father had during the Korean war. I think many of us hope that, one day, we will be greeted by St. Peter at Heaven’s gate, with welcoming and outstretched -- but lowered arms. I don’t imagine this happened to Hoot though. St Pete wouldn't have his arms lowered, but up like a field goal sign, and would have graciously, and reverentially, be moving them fore and aft towards Hoot,… Ole Pete would want to marshal Hoot through the Pearly Gates, and then direct him to a pristine North American F-86. (And near the canopy, would be the markings of ALL the MiGs he killed… not just the ones credited to him by the intell-weenies). If there is a Heaven, then a fully-serviced and armed Sabre awaited Hoot -- some of us may one day be lucky enough to fly on his wing.
Spidey
C.J. BUSTER LAGARDE
January 8, 2009
CJ BUSTER LAGARDE ELECTRICIAN 1977-1979 I MET HOOT AT OUR LAST RENUNION. WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SERVED WITH HIM.
Debbie Zides, LtCol, USAF
January 8, 2009
Donna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time. I will always consider Hoot as one of our great American heroes and an avid supporter of our your Airmen and their families. God bless.
MAJ Burney Starks
January 8, 2009
What a pleasure and honor to have known and associated with such a great officer and gentleman. Through Kiwanis and various military associations, I'm glad to have counted myself as a friend. "I count you as one of my top heroes." This fine person will surely missed, but the heavenly skies will now be filled with grandeur. Into the wild blue yonder, Hoot - all my very best - my final salute!
Susan Grantham
January 8, 2009
My sincere condolences to his wife Donna and their Family.As the Lt. Governor of the Kiwanis Clubs ,I got to know Hoot while visiting the Rincon Kiwanis Club. Hoot surely knew how to live life right and was a great man ,an American Hero and a caring Kiwanian. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Jim & Evelyn Kendall
January 8, 2009
Donna and family what a great loss to you and all of us. Hoot's universe litteraly included the world. Evelyn and I only new Hoot for about 4 years when we spent 3-4 months in Tucson in the winter. We would attend the Kiwanis Club of Rincon and assisted him in the park maintenance project of Kiwanis. That grew to inviting him to join us at the 98th Bomb Wing military reunion with the Thunderbirds performing in El Paso. Hoot certainly was held in the highest esteem by everyone in that organization. Evelyn and I send you our deepest sympathy. May God Bless and Keep You.
Jim and Evelyn Kendall
Lemars, Iowa
Kiwanians and Air Force
Gen. Chuck Horner
January 8, 2009
Hoot Gibson was my hero. Soft spoken but as Dizzy Dean said "it ain't bragging if you done it!" He did not have to brag, we all knew what he had done.
Donald E. Morris Maj.Gen (Ret.)
January 8, 2009
I would have considered it an honor to have flown on his wing.
ralph ochoa
January 8, 2009
I had the great pleasure to meet Hoot this past summer as one of his salmon fishing mates. Thanks to my lifelong pal, Larry Boccardo, our foursome, Hoot, Larry, Obie weaver and myself had a wonderful time kidding around and pulling in the big ones. Hoot made sure his boatmates, including the guide, had a ration of Snickers candy bars at the start of every fishing mission. He wanted to make sure that his team kept sharp for the upcoming battles of the day. Hoot never pulled rank on us, he enjoyed just being a member of the team.
May this true American champion rest in peace.
Ralph B. Ochoa
Janice Saunders
January 8, 2009
Hoot always had a smile and a kind and encouraging word - such a fine man in all aspects. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Glory Novak
January 8, 2009
What a great man. Hoot for many years was a regular "visitor" and friend of Kiwanis Club de Amigos, and added such life and humor to our meetings. My condolences to the Gibson family and the many, many lives Hoot touched.
Doug Wingate
January 8, 2009
Hoot was a treasured friend, mentor and one of our truly inspirational Air Force officers. I can clearly hear his call to the Heavenly tower.."taxi four Sabres, go ahead". He was cleared all the way.
Darlene Wallace
January 7, 2009
I feel priviledged to have been your friend Hoot and will remember your kind heart and wonderful spirit always. You have shared that kind heart with so many others through the years and now you are, no doubt, in theirs. Thanks for the memories Hoot and thanks for being you. I'm sure you are already in fighter pilot heaven. I sincerely wish I could be there in Tucson to help celebrate your life because you continue to have a positive influence on mine.
January 7, 2009
Hoot, my mentor, fellow daedalian, fellow river-rat, my realtor and more importantly - my friend. You are missed already. Vaya con dios, check six and god bless you. Conan
Jose, Dianne and David Olvera
January 7, 2009
To Donna and the Gibsons: We have lost a great American and a great friend. He loved to fly and to help others find their dream home. He has reached new heights as fighter pilots fly and reach for the heavens. God speed, Hoot. Well Done. Jose, Dianne and David Olvera (Tucson).
J.D. Allen
January 7, 2009
Boss,
Thanks for the combat leadership (433TFS Ubon), and 40+ years of friendship.
JD Allen
Sam Santistevan
January 7, 2009
It was my privilege to have known Hoot, a true patriot and an American Hero. I will miss him and his positive outlook.
Katherine Garcia
January 7, 2009
I was a proud member of the Thunderbird team and learned Hoot's name my first day in the hangar. He opened his home to us each time the team visited Arizona and was never too busy to share a story or too proud to share a laugh about his own follies coming up in the Air Force. He was a great pilot who paved the way for many more to come, but more importantly, he was a great man!
Jerry Robertson
January 7, 2009
Hoot, we have lost a good man. Please forgive me for not doing the coffee/lunch we had planed for over the Holidays. I send my sincere condolences to your family.
Scott Billings
January 7, 2009
Hoot had his office across the foyer from us (AES) for more than 18 years. We will miss his morning visits and insights on the world! Sometimes, he could even be coaxed to relate his USAF experiences to the young pilots among us!
We will miss you Hoot, and thank you and your family for all that you have done for us as neighbor, friend, fighter pilot, and American.
Kenneth Schanke
January 7, 2009
Donna and Family,
I missed Hoot at Ubon by a few months, but I served in the 433rd Satan's Angels for my year in SEA. He was a legend to the squadron at that time, and he remains that legend. On behalf of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots association, his many friends, and the other members of the National Board, we will surely miss him at future reunions.
Steve Mosier
January 7, 2009
I was so fortunate to be "one of old Hoot Gibson's boys--as mean as I could be" when he was the commander of the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand in 68-69. Hoot was a combat leader, mentor and great pilot. My first assignment--as years passed I began to appreciate how fortunate I was to have that as my intro to fighter flying and Hoot as a leader!
Thomas Weddingfeld
January 7, 2009
My sympathies to the Gibson family. Hoot and I crossed business paths infrequently the past twenty or so years. However, each crossing was a memorable and positive experience. I knew when I called, he would deliver 110%. Every time. It's been my pleasure. He will be missed.
Joe and Ellen Mooney
January 7, 2009
I came to know Hoot almost 20 years ago and have only the best memories of him. A true American Hero, great guy and good friend. Our prayers go out to him, Donna and their family.
Kelsey Boltz
January 7, 2009
Craig: Although I had never met your Dad, I thoroughly enjoyed reading of his achievemets. He certainly enjoyed the admiration and respect of his peers. Our family wishes to co nvey to you and your family our deepest sympathy at this time of your loss.
Kelsey, Barbara
William & Lou-Ann Preble
January 7, 2009
Dear Donna & Boys; Allow us to be sad with you, and to be happy for the years of friendship. God bless you all. Lou-Ann & Bill Preble
Dan Druen
January 7, 2009
Hoot Gibson was one of the most outstanding people in our Air Force. He was a true friend from our days at the Fighter Weapons School until the day he went West. He will be missed.
Audree & Dan Druen (Las Vegas, NV)
Doyle Ruff, Col, USAF (Ret)
January 7, 2009
It truly was an honor to know Hoot; a man who touched so very many in his most positive way.
Karl Boltz
January 7, 2009
We send our deepest condolences to the Gibson family.
The entire Boltz family
John Lacy
January 7, 2009
Donna:
Hoot's passing was a shock to us all. He loved his work and never hesitated to inject realistic expectations in his business dealings. We will miss him at our lunches.
Scott, Lori, Grant and Brielle Forgues
January 7, 2009
Our sincere condolences to Hoot's family. He was a great man who's heroic acts long ago and his everyday acts since then exemplified someone who cared greatly for his country and it's citizens. We have lost a true friend, hero and patriot.
Neal Hicks
January 7, 2009
Donna, If ever there was a model for the phrase, "An Officer and a Gentleman", it was Hoot. I so admired him, and always, always, always enjoyed him. He was truly a champion.
Doug Wyland
January 7, 2009
Hoot will be missed by many. A true american hero and a good friend. May he rest in peace.
Laurie Weber
January 7, 2009
Donna,
Tucson has lost a great man who will be remembered throughout the real estate community and especially by his "Caballeros Del Sol." May he rest in peace.
Neil & June Eddins Maj. Gen. Ret.
January 7, 2009
I have know Hoot for 50 years and I have never seen him without his positive attitude. He was my hero. We will all miss him.
Diane L. Katz
January 7, 2009
I didn't know Hoot for a long time, but he was indeed a brave American and a wonderful man. We will miss him.
Harry Lodge
January 7, 2009
Hoot was an amazing accomplished individual. I respected his sharing and giving nature. He was a true friend of mine.
Sean Furrier
January 7, 2009
Hoot, you will be missed greatly by all of your friends in Arizona and across the U.S. You have been a great example for living - doing what you feel called to do with integrity, always giving your best effort - and having a lot of fun along the way. Thanks for providing us with so much to remember!
Tom Kiernan
January 7, 2009
Hoot was a true hero, patriot, an honest man, a friend and he will be missed by all who knew him. My sincere condolences to his wife Donna and the rest of his family.
Nancy (Katie) (Adams) Pritchard
January 7, 2009
My father, Major Donald E. Adams, flew with Hoot in Korea. I had the pleasure of meeting Hoot at the F 86 fighter pilot reunion in Las Vegas in 2001. We shared an engaging conversation, he was highly complimentary of my dad, and I came away knowing Hoot as a gallant, brave officer and gentleman. I know he will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his family.
Sandy & Rick O'Konek
January 7, 2009
Donna, Scott, Duane & Craig, I can't find the words to express my sorrow and will keep you all in my prayers. Hoot was like a father to me during the 5 wonderful years I was privileged to work for him. Rick and I will deeply treasure the memories and look forward to having Hoot show us the boundary markers of heaven one day. We love you Hoot!
B/Gen Deacon Russell, USAF(Ret)
January 7, 2009
One of the greatest fighter pilots of all times. America is a more secure and exceptional place to live because of the many services he rendered to his Air Force and to his community-at-large.
Charles Luther
January 7, 2009
My sincere condolonces to the Hoot Gibson clan. I've known Hoot since the 1950's;served under him in combat, flown his wing and admired him all the way ! His principles were a guide to all.
Chuck Luther (Shavano Park, TX)
Frank Olynyk
January 7, 2009
On behalf of the American Fighter Aces Association, I wish to express my deep regret for the loss of Hoot. I met him several times at the Aces Convention and always enjoyed his company.
Frank Olynyk,
Historian, American Fighter Aces Association.
Robert Carter
January 7, 2009
Donna, my sincere condolonces from across the pond. I can't believe that the next time I visit Teresa and Lexi, Hoot won't be around. He was a magnificent man who improved the lives of everybody he met. God Bless
Showing 1 - 78 of 78 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Gibson's name
Memorial Events
for Ralph Gibson
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Gibson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
