William Wallace Gibson Jr.

GIBSON Jr., William Wallace
Born August 4th, 1919, son of the late Louise Wright Gibson and William Wallace Gibson. Accomplished Canadian inventor and pioneer aviator, passed away Friday, December 29th, 2006. Bill Gibson Jr. was born in San Francisco, California and raised in Alameda, California where he graduated from Alameda High School. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Bill joined his father working at Gibson Mining Machinery in Alameda, CA. He then followed in his father's footsteps as a builder and a genius inventor producing 25 patents relating to the invention of welding power supplies. Bill had a long professional career with numerous corporations that included consultant to Union Carbide Corp Welding division, and President of Glenn Gibson Corporation. Before retiring, in his early 50's, Bill and his wife Reiko began the "weekend job" of building their dream home atop a granite rock cliff high above the Mokelumne River. The home was constructed utilizing 40,000 lbs of steel, including four 12-foot long poles to secure the 2,700+ sq ft structure 150 feet below the surface through the bedrock. The home has received recognition and acclaim in various Japanese architectural journals. After the home was completed he retired from his business at 64. Bill enjoyed 22 years of retirement with Reiko. He continued with his building & welding experience throughout his retirement creating many additional features on the property including, a garage, workshop, and gazebo. Bill did all the ironwork on the property, including the impressive security gate at the entrance to the property. Bill & Reiko were also avid travelers, visiting over 30 countries including the U.S., Canada & Japan. Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 34 years, Reiko Gibson of West Point, CA, daughter Elizabeth Kueny, granddaughter Selinda Antill, both of Alameda, CA, and Albert Diaz of Pleasanton, CA. Bill will be remembered for his intelligence, sharp wit and cunning sense of humor. A celebration of Bill's life will be held Saturday, January 20th, at 12pm at Wendall's Restaurant, 9036 W. Center, Mokelumne Hill, CA; (209) 286-1338.