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East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

5801 East Grant Road

Tucson, Arizona

Gary GIBSON Obituary

GIBSON, Gary Lee passed away early on the morning of December 7, 2017 in Tucson, AZ surrounded by his family. He was 76 years old. Gary's greatest legacy was his family. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Kathy Gibson; sons, Phillip Gibson (Becky), Shawn Gibson (Chris) and Bill Benton; daughter, Denise Baldwin (Jim); brother, Buck Gibson; sister, Barbara Schrantz; his 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Gary was born on October 13, 1941 in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He moved to Tucson, AZ in 1961, where he proudly grew his family and business. Known as the long-time owner of Russett Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning, Gary took great pride in his business. Throughout his 50 years of leadership, Gary practiced and taught integrity, honesty and respect. His technological advancements have been recognized as crucial improvements to indoor air quality and growth within the industry. Gary was also an accomplished rancher at Comfort G Ranch in Wilcox, AZ. In addition to his remarkable career, Gary recognized the importance of paying it forward. He worked with Pima Community College as both an advisory board member and mentor, to continue education in the field of heating and air conditioning and indoor air quality. He was also awarded multiple patents. His goal was simple: everyone deserves to live in a healthy environment. As a part of his community impact, he was a continual supporter of local charities, a founding member on the Board of Directors at Canyon Community Bank, original member of the City of Tucson Local Construction Codes and a member of multiple Indoor Air Quality Councils. His family and friends will remember him as a brilliant, kind man who prided himself on always doing the 'right thing.' A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to American Heart Association or Boys & Girls Club of Tucson.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary GIBSON

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Rita Hildebrand

January 15, 2018

Prayers and condolences to all the Gibson family. Our families go way back to the kids growing up together. There was never a more special friend and family even when we hadn't talked for awhile. Always there for any of you! Rita Hildebrand and family

Kathleen Jones

December 25, 2017

I did not know. I feel so so bad. I would have been there. Contact me, fb will lead you.

December 15, 2017

Gary will greatly be missed. I know he is on the big ranch in the sky and in his spear time he is working on the ozone and air quality. Sorry for your loss.
James Larson

Eva Andrews

December 14, 2017

Our prayers are with you. B.W. and I were fortunate to have his friendship. BW & Eva Andrews

Adam Chavez

December 13, 2017

Gary was one of the most selfless men I have even known. He had the most positive, influential impacts on my adult life. I looked up to him in so many ways. His friendship and wise counsel will be greatly missed. My prayers will always be with Kathy and his family.

December 13, 2017

Dear Kathy and family. Our prayers are with you and God bless you all. Love, Jim & Lynn Kastella

Tim Sibley

December 13, 2017

Gary was a friend and a mentor and I truly appreciate all the time he invested in teaching and training me. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.

Greg Wilson

December 12, 2017

We would like to share our condolences to all of Gary's loved ones. He was very generous to us. We appreciate his willingness to share his experience and help guide the innovation of our Building & Construction programs (Pima Community College). Thank you.

Tammy McKay

December 12, 2017

Gary Gibson was a inspiration, wealth of knowledge, and an asset to myself and our company (TEP). He will be truly missed by all of us. The entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers. The service was beautiful. Hugs to all!

Efrain and Yesenia Cervantes

December 12, 2017

Sending our deepest and most heart felt condolences to the entire family. I never had the pleasure of personally meeting Mr. Gibson, but my husband, a current employee at Russett has always shared fond stories. You are all in our prayers.

David Mehl

December 12, 2017

Gary will be greatly missed in our community and in our family. He always wore a smile and had a kind word to share. May the Lord comfort you, Kathy, and all of your beautiful family.
David and Bonnie Mehl

December 11, 2017

We know that the loss you are feeling along with your wonderful family is immense. All of us, every single one of us, was blessed to know Gary. We love you, Kathy.

Ellen and Eric

Cheryll Bennett

December 11, 2017

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Gary when he and his lovely family attended my sisters wedding to his son Shawn. I could tell in that brief time that he was a kind, loving man and he will be so missed by those who knew and loved him. I am grateful that he was able to share in his son's happiness in beginning a new life before leaving, and I am sure it brought him much joy.

Gina Murphy-Darling

December 11, 2017

There is no possible way that I can put into words what Gary Lee Gibson meant to me. From the minute I met him, I wanted to know him more, spend more time with him, learn from him, and just overall be around him. He was wise and kind and funny and generous and special in words I cannot express. When I heard that he had died, I felt pain beyond belief. I cannot believe that we will never have breakfast at the Bisbee Breakfast Club where we would sit and I would just ask him to tell me stories. I told people it was like Tuesdays with Morrie - only better. I can't believe he will never sit in my recording studio or do another presentation with me sharing his passion about clean air, pollutants in the home, respiratory disease again. I can't believe I will never see his face light up as it did when he told me stories about his family. I can't believe that I will never hear him make jokes about social media and "all that stuff" that he said was beyond him. From where I sit, nothing was ever beyond Gary Gibson. I will miss him forever. People like Gary don't come into my life every day. I feel so blessed that he came into mine and I send my love and caring and thoughts to his family. If I hurt this much, if I feel as though there is a big gash on my heart, I cannot imagine what they are feeling. Thank you Gary - you made a difference to everyone whose lives you touched.

Jim Harrison

December 11, 2017

I was blessed to have counted Gary as a friend for the last 40 years. In my 20s and early 30s, I was lucky to enjoy Gary's company and counsel nearly every morning for breakfast (at 5:00 a.m. or earlier, no less!) during which he displayed the wit, intelligence and humility for which he was so well known. A mentor to many, his reputation as a loyal friend, honest businessman and wonderful family man will long survive him.

Jim Harrison

John Lo Turco

December 11, 2017

I was lucky enough to have known Gary as a friend and employee sense the early seventies he made a big difference in my life and i will for ever keep him in my hart.

Arleen Carramusa

December 10, 2017

I left a message yesterday but somehow it has disappeared. To all of Gary's family, friends and associates, we have been faced with the loss of one of the true "saints" walking on our earth. Though we only knew Gary and Kathy through Denise and Jim, and at softball games, your heart would up-lift with his presence as he was ALWAYS so happy and easy-going. One of the kindest, most beautiful human beings, you are going to be so missed by your beautiful wife and wonderful family. We so need more people like Gary here on earth. Bless you and rest in peace lovely soul.

December 10, 2017

I will forever remember Gary as a thoughtful and caring person. He will be in my best memories. Terry Hinkle.

Sally Lacy and Ruthie Leonard

December 10, 2017

With a heaviness in our heart, we are so incredibly sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He helped our family so very much and we will forever be grateful. Gary was kind and gentle, giving and beyond loving. He made a difference in so many lives and we are thankful that we were blessed to have him in our lives. God be with Kathy, fill her with your love and give her strength to carry on.

Marianne Freitas

December 10, 2017

What a wonderful, kind, and honest man who always greeted you with a warm smile and a hug. I can't imagine the loss your family is feeling. Our hearts go out to all of you, especially Kathy.

Jennifer Matteson

December 10, 2017

An honorable man that will be sorely missed by his family and friends. I am sorry to her of Gary's passing for truly he was one of the kindest and most supportive gentleman known to all who met him
socially and in our community.
A rare man that provided love and support to countless people during his lifetime.
Heavens gates have opened to a wonderful soul.

Laurie Roll

December 9, 2017

Was so sad to hear of my Uncles passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family members.

One of many travels together

Linda and Dennis Cummings

December 9, 2017

Such a dear friend and wonderful generous man whom I am so thankful and blessed that our lives crossed in 1999. He will be forever remembered and sorely missed by me and my family and so many of our mutual friends.. Love you Gary.
Linda Cummings

Janet Mees

December 9, 2017

Uncle Gary was one of the handful of people I truly looked up to in life that was so kind, friendly, generous, down to earth and a joy to be around. I didn't see him much in the last 25 years but when I did, he greeted me with a warm hug, and jump right into a conversation like no time had passed at all. We can all aspire to be thought of so well by our family and friends! Special prayers and hugs going out to the family who are going to miss him the most, especially for Kathy. May God bless you and keep you. May you feel God's peace and love in your sorrow!

Ann White

December 9, 2017

Tucson will surely miss this most honest and trusted man. He always had a kind word and smile for everyone. Wishing his family and friends comfort and peace.

Grace Heike

December 9, 2017

What a wonderful man this was. When I was lucky enough to be with him and his family I was in awe of how he loved each of them, his eyes and heart were filled with love for all of them at all times.

Emmett Perrini

December 9, 2017

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to ALL of Gary's vast family. Im heartbroken hearing of this news....Gary was one of the nicest,kindest and honorable men I've ever met. He treated everyone with respect, quick wit and a true feeling of family. He was a client and a friend whose words of wisdom and support helped me many a time. Your legacy and the great memories you provided for so many will live on. R.I.P. my dear friend......

December 9, 2017

I sympathize with Gary's family, I remember him mostly years ago. He was always ready to help anyone. He will be missed very much. Joyce Warren DeKalb. Ms.

Lola Littlehorn

December 9, 2017

I share your sorrow. Gary was the best boss ever and a true friend. The world is a smaller place without him.

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East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712

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