John Gibson

1966 - 2021

LIMA — John MacDonell Gibson, age 55, of Lima, Ohio passed away peacefully in Columbus, Ohio on June 10th, 2021 surrounded by his four siblings. On April 17th, 1966 John was born in Flint, Michigan. He was the third child of five born to Thomas Rheuben Gibson and Ann MacDonell Gibson. They lived in a wonderful neighborhood called Western Hills and life was so much simpler then, playing kick the can, capture the flag, sledding down "Mt. Everest", parents ringing dinner bells when it was time to come home, riding bikes to the neighborhood pool and tennis lessons. John reminisced in later years, that those days were the best of the best and was forever grateful for the people and the memories! John was very outgoing and social and never met a stranger. He especially loved duck hunting in Canada with his father and brothers, playing tennis, attempting to play golf, trap shooting and skiing. Everyone in the family grew up with a strong love of cooking and he might have been the best one of the bunch. His specialties included peppered ribeye, caesar salad, hamburger steaks pancho and his father's renowned spaghetti and meatballs. After graduating from Carman High School, he headed west to University of Arizona. He spent time in Arizona, Utah, Florida and finally settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2008. Verizon hired him in 2008 to work at the Corporate Headquarters. He possessed a strong IT knowledge and held many positions within the company. He transitioned to HBA in 2019 and was a valued member of the leadership team. John cultivated many close friendships out there and was known for his incredible meals and entertaining, usually hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner for the group. In addition to cooking, he also was an avid mineral collector, gardener and a huge fan of college football and basketball. One attribute that should be mentioned is that he was such a kind, generous soul and truly had a heart of gold. Never having any children of his own, he was so proudly doted on his five nieces and nephew.

In late 2020, John finally sold his home and made it back to the Midwest, choosing to settle in Lima, Ohio. This was a place near and dear to his heart. He still had family there and such fabulous childhood memories. He was able to rekindle some lost friendships and spend a great deal of time with the family. Sadly that time was cut short and he is now in a much better place. As we left the hospital in Columbus after he passed away, we realized there had been a thunderstorm (he loved storms) and we saw the most beautiful rainbow. John will be terribly missed by all those that he held dear.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Rheuben Gibson, his Mother, Elizabeth Ann MacDonell Gibson and his brother-in-law, Michael Chevrie Borre Sr.

Surviving are his four siblings; Elizabeth Gibson Borre (Clint) of Shelbyville, Michigan, James Russell Gibson (Prisca) of Doraville, Georgia, Gaynor Denton Gibson Eisenberg (Marc) of Asheville, North Carolina, and Thomas Rheuben Gibson Jr. (Brittany) of Columbus, Ohio. In addition, he leaves behind Heather Borre (Jon), Michael Borre (Katherine) and Bridget Borre of Chicago, Illinois. Ellie Eisenberg of Madison, Wisconsin and Mead and Collier Gibson of Columbus, Ohio. John also is survived by his aunts and one uncle, Gay MacDonell Williams of Lima, Ohio, Janet MacDonell Shute, and Benjamin Shute of New York, New York and Carol Lee Gibson of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Last but not least, his will be greatly missed by his large extended family, so many cherished cousins, co-workers and colleagues.

The family wishes to extend their most heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all those who helped him over the months, especially the doctors and nurses of St. Rita's in Lima and The Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.

There will be a memorial service at a later date, he will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, next to his parents.

Services are being handled through Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions can be directed to The Allen County Historical Society and Museum in Lima, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com