Stanley Gibson

Stanley Gibson

Stanley Gibson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 30 to Mar. 31, 2007.
GIBSON _ Stanley J. Stan Gibson of Okotoks died peacefully in the company of his family on March 28, 2007. Beloved husband and best friend of Patricia and father to Dawn, David, Peter and Mary Pat; grandfather to Brent, Scott, Laura and six great-grandchildren. Stan's life was characterized by his love of family, his commitment as an educator and his mentorship of many students over a long teaching career. As a result of his involvement with the Native Centre at the University of Calgary, he was made an honorary elder and received the Rev. Dr. Chief John Snow Sr. Award in 1992 for his contributions to aboriginal culture. Stan's diverse interests included literature, journalism, creative writing, native studies, team sports, Western horsemanship and calf roping. His love of words and his gift for storytelling delighted every listener. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Honoring Stan's wishes, no Funeral Services will be held. Grateful thanks to Dr. R. Drummond and all of the staff on Unit 300 of High River Hospital for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to: Unit 300, High River Hospital through The High River Hospital Foundation, 560 - 9 Avenue S.W., High River, Alberta T1V 1B3 (Phone 403-652-0129). To email condolences: [email protected]. A teacher and literary man who shared his gifts with many. "My library was dukedom large enough." The Tempest (I,ii).

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Sign Stanley Gibson's Guest Book

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April 25, 2007

Michael Stewart posted to the memorial.

April 7, 2007

Diana & David Ballard posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2007

WENDY PALMER posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Michael Stewart

April 25, 2007

Mrs. Gibson, Dawn, David, Peter and Mary Pat,

I've been remiss in expressing my and my family's condolences about Stan's passing. I was away in Mexico at the time but was aware of what was going on through my sisters.

I was visiting with Mom a couple of days ago and we started talking about Stan. He was what I would call "a very interesting cat". His resume/toolbox was impressive - educator, athelete, writer, roper, carpenter, and historian just to touch the surface.

I like a lot of young people who went to school in Okotoks under his principalship came away with a solid education and a great foundation for later life. I fondly remember English 30 and going out with Stan, David and Peter to Cliff Vandergrift's roping arena.

When Mom and I were talking, I mentioned the historical work that Stan did on an Indian massacre in Montana. I didn't know much about so went on the internet today to do some searching. Type in "Stan Gibson Okotoks" and one of his articles pops up.

Our thoughts are with you.

Michael, Caron, Brendan and Sam Stewart and the rest of the Don and Gerry Stewart Family

Diana & David Ballard

April 7, 2007

We have just been informed of Stan's passing, and wanted to forward our condolences to members of the family. I (David) had immediate respect for Stan when I first met him at the University of Calgary when he and Orrin Matson were interviewing teachers, (many, many years ago). While I had attended school in Foothills School Division (grades 1-9 at Mossleigh) I had no intention of getting a job in the district, but it was Stan who made me change my mind, or at least, decide to check it out. And I remained at FSD and Okotoks for 28 years!

I respected his caring and mentorship. There always were situations to be faced, and from Stan I learned a great deal which provided me with the strength and background to deal with things at Percy Pegler Elementary for the 20 years I was there as principal. There are so many things in my teaching career which I attribute to his leadership. Lots of laughs and comradeship, and lots of evidence of his care of his staff and their families. He set the pattern for my own career. I hope that some of the things which I learned from Stan were passed on to my staff at PPE during my principalship.

What happy memories!

Diana and I are presently at our apartment in Wollongong, Australia where we have spent the last months, escaping the Winter! We have been able to come back and forth from Canada for the past twelve years and are so fortunate to be able to do so. Christopher Mark and Megan, our two children, both are living in Calgary.

I do treasure the contacts and friends from the Okotoks area, and look forward to seeing some of them each time we are back in Calgary.

Our good wishes and condolences to every member of the family. We have so many great memories of a very special person, Stan Gibson. His concern for and influence over students, teachers and their families has been felt by hundreds.

WENDY PALMER

April 2, 2007

My dearest Pat,Dawn,Peter, David,MaryPat and family...Stan was our family friend and he was my favorite teacher. It was because of Stan's brilliant enthusiasm that I went into Medecine after studying Biology with him. As a result, because I ended up touching many lives...that meant that Stan was instrumental in touching many lives too. In addition, it was Stan who gave me the love of the English language and grammar,all of which I hold dear to this day; thinking of his teachings every time I use them.I have even written some children's stories which I am sure would make him chuckle! It saddens my heart to know the suffering that Stan and you all went through. I want you to know how grateful I am for all Stan did for me and I will never forget him Also I feel love in my heart for Pat and all the children; I don't know if you all remember me, but I have fond memories of all of you and hope to see you all one day. Pat... I hope to make a special trip to see you one day when you are ready, so keep me posted. My mom, Pat Palmer(now Welller), is unable to write herself, but her heart is with you, Pat and she sends her love to all the family. With very much love, Wendy Palmer

Peter Palmer

April 1, 2007

I would like to express our most heartfelt condolences to the Gibson family. I vividly remember Stan as an excellent teacher and principal as well as a very impressive baseball coach.
From the Palmers: former teacher Pat, Wendy, Peter and my wife Ceda.

Karen Berg, Social Worker

March 31, 2007

I wish to express my condolences to the Gibson family. I also want to thank them for allowing me to be a part of a very private and intimate time in their lives. I heard so many wonderful stories about Stan while with the family at the hospital. Thank you for sharing so openly and to allow me to walk this journey with you.

Pat Gaudette

March 30, 2007

I want to express my sincere condolences on behalf of myself and my family. Even though we are miles apart you are all in my heart. Uncle Stan will be in my prayers. Of all the fabulous stories I heard about him I am sure he was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. I love you all. Patsy xoxoxox

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Sign Stanley Gibson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 25, 2007

Michael Stewart posted to the memorial.

April 7, 2007

Diana & David Ballard posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2007

WENDY PALMER posted to the memorial.