Kerry GIBBS

GIBBS, Kerry August 24, 1939 - January 17, 2011 Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather died in Peace Arch Hospital on January 17, 2011. Kerry was born in Vancouver, B.C. on August 24, 1939. After graduating from John Oliver High School, he moved with his family to California, where he attended the University of California. Kerry obtained his degree in History and then followed his heart back to Canada. He attended UBC in 1965 where he received his teaching certificate. He taught Social Studies and English in Surrey School District for 32 years. He especially loved teaching Canadian History. Kerry was unswervingly dedicated in his teaching career to improving the conditions for teachers and students. As President of the Surrey Teachers' Association (STA), he was an eloquent spokesperson, admired for his skills as an advocate and for his confident ability to move many issues forward. Kerry's insightful grasp and knowledge of the the issues, made him a sought after adviser for colleagues pursuing professional and educational goals. Friends and former Presidents of the Surrey Teachers' Association paid him this tribute: Kerry was instrumental in the development of the Teachers' Union in Surrey and always encouraged young teachers to participate in that Union. He was recognized by the STA by being made an Honorary Lifetime Member. He also served as Surrey's representative to the British Columbia Teachers' Federation and was recognized as a significant contributor to that organization. An avid reader, Kerry was always aware of community and provincial issues, as well as the broad-screen of international politics. He augmented that international view with many adventures abroad with his wife Carole. They traveled extensively throughout North and South America, Asia and Europe. Kerry loved to explore the culture of new places by walking, walking and walking! Special memories for him were taking his granddaughters Kassie and Trini to Disneyland, and daughters Marie, Lynne and Denise to Mexico and Italy. Kerry and Carole spent many leisurely holidays with Peter and Heather Thomson at Hawkins Lake, where Kerry was famous for turning his woodland into a park. Kerry was the patriarch of his family. He is survived by his loving wife Carole, his sisters Pat(Ed), Sheila and Terri, his sister-in-law Debbie(Rick), his daughters Marie, Lynne, Cheryl and Denise, grandchildren Eddie, Katrina, Kassie, Keri, Allan, Jordan, Victoria, Hailey and Josh, and great-grandchildren Shai-Ann, Nathaniel and Dezyree, as well as many cousins and nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by them all. Kerry will be remembered as a mentor to many and a friend to so many more. No flowers by request please. Donations may be made to the Earl Marriott Secondary Scholarship Fund and those so inclined, can raise a glass of scotch to say farewell to Kerry.