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1935 - 2020

BORN

1935

DIED

2020

About

John Adams High School Denison University

Dale Gibson Obituary

Dale Gibson

Jan. 29, 1935 - March 6, 2020

SOUTH BEND, IN - Dale Gibson, 85, of South Bend, passed away Friday with his loving family by his side.

Dale was born January 29, 1935 in South Bend to the late Heyward and Jean (Metsker) Gibson.

On June 21, 1958 in Galion, Ohio, he married Darlene Catello. Darlene survives along with his children, Ben (Melissa) Gibson, Lili (Jay) Chamberlain, Laura (Michael Rosen) Gibson, and Tris (Jaleh) Dashti-Gibson; and his grandchildren, Max and Grace Gibson, Ian and Hannah Chamberlain, Nick and Emma Rosen, and Nina and Grant Dashti-Gibson. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry Gibson and David Gibson.

Dale graduated from Adams High School and Denison University. He held graduate degrees from Notre Dame and Ball State.

Dale served in the Army, was a guidance counselor, and taught U.S. History, Government, Sociology, and Psychology. Over the years he worked at Adams High School, LaSalle High School, Divine Heart Seminary, Howe Military Academy, and Mishawaka High School. Interacting with his students was a highlight of his life. Dale was an active member of the First Unitarian Church for over 60 years and served several terms as Board President. He took his role as a citizen very seriously and he was actively involved in the civil rights and anti-war movements. He was deeply concerned about gun violence and the climate crisis. Dale was a frequent contributor to the Tribune's Letters to the Editor. His favorite places included Depot Pond and Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Unitarian Church.

A memorial service is being planned.

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

Published by South Bend Tribune on Mar. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Dale Gibson

21 Entries

jerry

March 2, 2023

r.i.p. friend. you are sorely missed in our world.

jerry brooks

March 4, 2022

Dale's kindness and compassion writes his own legacy. my wife and I met dale over forty years ago at the Unitarian Church. We had been members in Chicago before coming to South Bend. Dale greeted us at the door with a very warm welcome. That was the beginning of a 40 plus year friendship. We were together in the G.O.S.H group, book club, and men's group. All were enriched by his presence. He will be missed by all who knew him. R.I.P. old friend.

s.

elizabeth morrow

March 22, 2020

I just got word of Dale's passing. Dale spoke so generously for my dad's memorial service back in '86 and last saw him at my mother's several years ago. I have such fond memories of Dale - kind, gentle, congenial - my deepest sympathy to Darlene and the family.

Kim Barnett

March 14, 2020

Dearest Lili: I'm so terribly sorry that you've lost your dad. What a terrific testimonial to a life well lived, and a wonderful legacy. Hugs!

Richard Green

March 12, 2020

Dale stands out ahead of nearly everyone I have known in my life in his passionate concern for people whom life treated unfairly. He and Darlene were mentors for me during the fifteen years I lived in South Bend. Anytime I either had a personal problem or was simply disturbed by the way the country was heading I always knew Dale had an open sympathetic ear. The psychological support he gave me and my mother during her last months and the physical support he offered me once when I lacked adequate medical assistance when my ribs were broken were invaluable. His life defines the word liberalism in its purest and most noble sense.

Matthew Costello

March 11, 2020

Dear Ben, Lili, Laura and Tris:

I was sorry to hear that your father passed away. He was a benevolent presence on Wakewa. I'm sorry for your loss.

Matt Costello

March 10, 2020

Dale was one of the good guys. He and Darlene were very special friends with my mother, Maggie, and she had the highest regard for both of you. They were politically simpatico and she always enjoyed their warmth and support. Our family's thoughts and good memories are with us always.

Sherry Lynch Keesey
Minneapolis

Joan Bull

March 9, 2020

Lili : I was so sad to hear of your dads passing. He raised one great daughter. I will never forget your Dad waiting so patiently for me to speak to him at my sisters funeral. He came for my Dad and hugged me from Lili, he said. He was a gracious man and I thank him for his kindness and to have your presence with me that day brought some joy to me. I am with you now, my dear friend. Always ,Lili : I was so sad to hear of your dads passing. He raised one great daughter. I will never forget your Dad waiting so patiently for me to speak to him at my sisters funeral. He came for my Dad and hugged me from Lili, he said. He was a gracious man and I thank him for his kindness and to have your presence with me that day brought some joy to me. I am with you now, my dear friend. Always

Tom Hackley

March 9, 2020

So sorry to hear of Dale's passing, but I'm glad I had a chance to see him recently. Hugs Darlene, from Emily and me.
Peace,
Tom Hackley

Darlene, I didn't know Dale. But I do remember the joy he brought to my kids at the neighborhood parade. Our prayers are with you and your loved ones. <br />-Emily & family & The Dept. of Music

Emily Matz

March 9, 2020

Jane

March 9, 2020

On Thursdays, after a homicide in South Bend, a group of compassionate people opposed to violence gathered at the site of the violence. Dale was among them. Faithful and gentle, he and the others remembered the victim, blessed the neighborhood from further violence and stood in solidarity. This was Dale. What he contributed to and created. Blessing and giving gratitude for his presence among us.

March 9, 2020

I was proud to have worked with Dale starting in 1996 at Mishawaka High School in the Counseling Department. He was a little overwhelmed at times with all of the women he had to deal with, but we loved working with him. At one point we even got shirts that said "Gibson Girls". I think he got a laugh out of that. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed.

Cherie Smith

Leedia Macomber

March 8, 2020

Sending sad and loving thoughts to Darlene and all of Dales family. Dale was unquestionably one of the good guys. Bright, inquisitive, sensitive, Dale cared about his family and friends; and in his quiet friendly way, Dale succeeded in making the world a better place.

Dale, you will be missed by so many who had the gift of knowing you.
March Madness wont be the same this year.

Peace to you all.

Diana Howard

March 8, 2020

Darlene and family...I am sad to learn of Dale's passing. Dale was a dear friend of our family over many many years. Please know I am thinking of you at this very difficult time.

With love,
Diana Morrow Howard

March 8, 2020

Dale was one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever met. He was always so cheerful and supportive of everyone. I will miss him so very much.
David R. Williams

Kathy Blanchard-Smeets

March 8, 2020

My condolences to Dales family. Dale was one of the reasons I make the trek to church, as he was ever so helpful and loving and passionately knowledgeable. He will be greatly missed.

Beverly De Mario

March 8, 2020

I am very lucky to have Dale housed in my memories. Such a great passionate soul inhabited our walks, adventures. Feasting on the 'goodness' of us all,he gave a gift of ourselves. Dale at Nancy's pool, a walk up and around oxbow, his laughter warming up through winter walks, a few of the remarkable images that glean distance and time.
Thoughts to you and family,
Bev De Mario

March 8, 2020

condolences to darlene and family. dale will be sorely missed. was proud to call him friend for over 40 years.