Robert E. "Bob" Gibson

Aug. 8, 1926 ‹ July 4, 2009

MONTROSE ‹ Robert E. "Bob" Gibson, 82, of Montrose, Colo., passed away July 4, 2009 after a hard fought battle with Parkinson's Disease. Zella ,his loving wife of 58 years, and his daughters were by his side.

Bob was born on Aug. 8, 1926 to George and Theda Gibson in Belle Fourche, S.D. He moved to the Redding, Calif. area as a child, and it was there he graduated high school. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Navy and served during World War II and again during the Korean War. He was a retired truck driver and an avid fisherman. He took pride in making his own fishing gear. Bob and Zella loved to travel in their trailer and they took many wonderful trips throughout the United States and Canada, until his illness prevented his traveling. They raised their family and worked in Ukiah, Calif. for 43 years before relocating to Montrose, Colo. in 1994. Bob was a very kind and patient man who dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He didn't complain about anything, not even the weather. He was a lifetime member of Ukiah Elks Lodge 1728. He was a member of the Montrose United Methodist Church. His family will miss his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and Bill; his sister, Shirley; and one granddaughter, Katie Hardin. He is survived by his wife, Zella; his daughters, Sharon (George) Tinaza and Valerie (Steve) Hardin of Montrose, Colo.; his brother, Willis Gibson of Igo, Calif.; six grandchildren, Heidi (Ty) Holman of Castle Rock, Colo., Shawn (Jamie) Hardin, Ben (Michelle) Hardin, Holly Hardin, Emily (Andrew) Repynek and Timothy (Kristin) Tinaza all of Montrose, Colo. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren, Kelsie, Cailey and Brittney Holman, Kai, Devon and Gabriel Hardin, Tyson Tinaza; a step-granddaughter, Emani Baltazar; two aunts and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at 11 a.m., at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. At Robert's request, cremation has already taken place. Donations may be made to Hospice and Pallative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.