George W. Gibbs Jr.

Thank you for all the messages. I'm surprised to see entries even in 2024. Your comments mean so much to the Gibbs family. ~Leilani (Gibbs) Henry

I am seventy and a Rochester native. I love my city for people like you, George. I only discovered your name today, finding your namesake drive at the park I played at, as a child. It's a beautiful day, and you made mine even more so. Peace and love.

RIP my Navy buddy and I cherish the many years we spent together as friends there in Rochester.

I am just finding about this Amazing Gentleman Mr. Gibbs and his being first man of African heritage to step on land of Antartica .I am proud for his determination and adventurous courageous spirit. Admiral Byrd and Mr Gibbs are now within the inner crystal city in hollow earth plane they bravely ventured too years ago..

Greeting my brother Gibbs. You left your footprint on Rochester. Hopefully, you are enjoying life in God's Kingdom. Hope to see you again one day. God bless

We are Sutton African Caribbean cultural organisation ( www.sacco.org.uk), in association with the U.K. Antarctica Heritage Fund and First Class Coders (www.firstclasscoders.co.uk) , we are teaching families about Georges bravery and determination.

Families computer programme themselves going on a expedition to Antarctica and meeting George once they are successful. As you can see in the video below.

I met you when you were a volunteer with Troop 21 in Rochester. You were an inspiration to many of us in Scouting.

My name is Caleb and I got to do my 4th grade reading/history project on Mr. Gibbs. I learned a lot about his life and all that he accomplished. He was a great man.

Thank you for all the messages. I'm surprised to see entries even in 2013. Your comments mean so much to the Gibbs family. ~Leilani (Gibbs) Henry

George and I both worked at IBM and both were active with the NAACP. We also worked on many civic projects together. He was the only person I could get to accompany me to listen to classical music at concerts. R.I.P. Brother George

I worked in the same building as Mr. Gibbs - at Dison's Cleaners when it was at Marketplace on 19th St NW. I had no idea how successful he was, I simply admired him for his smile and kindness. He was always jovial and had so much life in his eyes. He loved people - all people regardless of their background. George is the epitome of living life to the fullest and appreciating others. He's a wonderful man and I'm so glad the district has named the new school after him. Anyone who met George, was touched by his sincerity and kindess and ohhh, that smile!

Well, here's a very late, but, sincere entry. We met when George was attending the University of Minnesota. He always impressed me with his ability to stay in the present moment. He managed to focus on many projects and take them to completion. We can learn from him.
My sympathy to Joyce , Lelani and Tony; Carry on!

Dear Leilani


I echo Donna's entry on November 16th 2000 - not only do you share your father's looks, but his spirit also.

He was obviously a great man and, through you and the many whose lives he touched, he leaves a splendid legacy.

I am so sorry for your loss, but may all the good things he stood for live on through you, your family and your family's friends.

hey wat it do i herad a lot of good things about u

I knew Mr. Gibbs through my parents and he was always a sweet man to us. My father joined Toastmasters because of Mr. Gibbs and I will now join Toastmasters because of my father. Thank you for everything you have left behind and shared with us.

I know that Mr. Gibbs daughter Leilani Henry is special. Now I know where a part of her special spirit was originated from! Great people create great children.

Dear Joyce:

We were very sad to learn, from your Christmas letter, that George had passed away. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.

We will never forget the great time we had together at our Hovey Reunion and thank you for the picture of ourselves together at the reunion and of your lovely family.



Our best regards to you and your family.

Dear Joyce,

On behalf of myself, my parents Dusty and Dete Hortman and the Hovey Reunion group, please accept our heartfelt sympathy at the passing of George. I only learned about it this past week and my parents asked me to look at the website and send regards. It was such a delight to meet you and George this past year at the reunion. I know he had a great time and everyone mentioned how much they enjoyed meeting you and George. Are you still teaching English? I have taken a different career path and decided to just retire and play golf and travel. It's great so far.

Our best regards,

Shirlee Atkinson

Dear Joyce,

We are very sad to hear from you that George passes away last November. It is ten years since we left Rochester. We were very fortunate to have fine teachers not only for English language but also for many other fields. We believe many Japanese who used to stay in Rochester share our impression.

Sincerely yours,

I enjoy playing tennis with one of your relatives who told me about this site.

Joice, Lani and tony

My sister Shirley Jaecks (Sunbury) told me of our loss today. I believe I may have been told by George himself ,as the day before, I found a picture of George ,myself and my newborn daughter. It was taken 17 yrs. ago when he was visiting my parents ,Russell and Mary Ellen.It literally floated down off of a shelf. I had been rummaging around looking for it a day or two before to show my daughter. I had given up and here it came floating into my hands ......

My daughter and wife of 23 yrs Georgia, had been going through our Ford island pictures and she had seen me in one holding Lani on the porch at Qrts. 47-d, at about the same age when George had seen us last.She had asked me about that little girl and the two smiling people that were scattered throught that photo album.I had told her how we had been the best of friends and neighbors in Hawaii those wonderful years so long ago . I also spoke of the lessons I as a kid of 10 11, had learned from two of the nicest kindest people I have had the pleasure of knowing In my younger years. George with his intellect and wisdom he shared freely to an impressionable boy as we drove ,at times just the two of us,across the ferry and into town to the'church of the crossroads'I tell friends to this day, the reason I don't have a predjudiced drop of blood in my body,is because I was the minority at that church ,as he was the only black person I remember a that cuhrch and I was one of the only white kids at that church .The rest were oriental ,Samoen Hawaiien etc. I remember at summer camp being teased and called 'white legs' by some of the other kids .It didn't really bother me but some of the kids took it to extremes I didn't understand. George In his calm confidence, taught me and everyone else the real meaning of brotherly love I keep with me to this day. I could go on and on about the joy you ,Joyce ,with your lovely smile ,always laughing at George's and my dads antics,and Georges gracious presence .I'll never forget your friendship and influence on my life as an impressionable youth. Not by just your words but most importantly your presence ,the way you lived and showed love. I will never forget George and Joyce Gibbs as `long as I live. I will be sending copies of pictures as soon as I am able Joyce.

As my sister said, George and Russell and Mary Ellen are watching us and whispering to us all again, together. love James (Jimmy) Georgia,Rory and Jessica Sunbury

Dear Joyce,



I was so shocked to learn through your Christmas letter that George had passed away. What an impressive life he led and these tributes to George and his family are wonderful. Thank you for that.



There was so much I did not know about George and his involvment with many worthwhile organizations and beliefs. When I first met you and George I was a young, skinny 11 year old girl, way back in 1954 I believe it was when my father was stationed on Ford Island in Hawaii. I remember that as nextdoor neighbors our back doors were always open and we could go back and forth across the landing to each others apartment. I also remember, Joyce, when you made me a sundress out of a Hawaiian print material, and made Leilani a little sunsuit as well. My memory is not as good as it used to be, but I still remember that green Hawaiian print, spaghetti strap sundress. From what I was told, when you and George took me with you to the zoo one day, Leilani and I were dressed alike in the outfits you had made us. I guess we caused a stir with some people looking at us, me pushing Leilani's stroller wearing matching clothes. I guess with my freckled white skin with reddish hair I couldn't pass as the older sister. Leilani was born while we were there and one of my first babysitting jobs.



I am thankful that you were able to come to our home, many years ago, for a visit and meet my family. I am so sad that we were not able to "connect" when you were recently in the San Diego area. We always look forward to your annual Christmas letter. We've been able to stay in touch for 46 years now.



My sincere condolences to you, Leilani and Tony, as well as their families. I know George is without pain and at peace. I'm sure he has been able to say hi and have a chat with my parents in heaven. Within time we will all meet again. I am also sure you know that the love and support of your friends and family and God will sustain you though these difficult times.



Love and Prayers,

Shirley and Gary Jaecks

Aunt Joyce, Lailani, and Tony,

George was officially my brother's GodFather, but I always felt that he was also mine (mine passed away when I was young). His pleasurable demeanor was always an inspiration to all that were fortunate to meet him. His memory shall live on in my thoughts, prayers, and existence. My Love goes out to all of you. God has always blessed your family.

Dear Joice,

as mentioned in our letter we extend

our hearty condolence to you and your family. George was really a

friend of us.

Love to all of you! Hans & Regine

Blessings to the Gibbs family as you go forward in your fine lives. We have all been enriched by your great husband and father, George. He was a dear friend to so many of us. God's love to you all. Jim and Meg

George's charismatic personna was and is infectious. He and his entire family leapt many hurdles, taught many worthwhile lessons and demonstrated what belief in a Higher Power should be by their lives. George's transition has had a powerful impact on innumerable people whose challenge it is to "remember and follow".

Dear Joyce,

we like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. After having spent almost 7 years in Rochester we have to thank you and George for all the help and support you gave to us, being George's very first "customer" when he became the International Assignment Representative.



Love, Heidi & Kurt Eggerling

Dear Joyce,

we are really sorry that George passed away.

My family and I consider ourselves fortunate to have known Mister George Gibbs.

Reading his wonderful life story, his life represents a clear example of how we could well spend our existence, in full harmony with God and the Human Society. We'll never forget him.



Soldino family

Milan (ITALY)

Dear Joyce,

I'm really sorry that your husband passed away.He'll be watching us in heaven.

Wish you cheer up!He'll be fine.

Bye

Joyce,We never got to meet you, but was so looking forward to the Navy Reunion in 2001.My husband & I were so happy to have meet George at the Jacksonville Fl. reunion.All the Navy Buddies loved to have him aboard as they say.What little time we had together was wonderful.We are so sorry for you and your family

to have had such a great loss and for us too.Thanks again for sharing him.Peggy & Bud (John)

Leilani,

I only knew your dad from the short conversation we had about his involvement with Adm.Byrd. Your dad sounded like one of the great men from the era that produced great men of character and courage. I wish I could have chatted with him. I expect you realize how lucky you were to have him in your life.



regards,

Dear Leilani,

I'm so sorry to hear about your

loss. After reading your father's

story, I know he was an inspiration

to you and to all those he loved

and who loved him. In life, we're

fortunate to come in contact with

people like your father, and even

more fortunate to have had a

personal realtionship with him.

You were, indeed, blessed.

Dear Leilani and family,
I was so moved by reading your
Father's story. What a strong and
giving man he is.

I send my blessings for you all at
this mythic passage.

Dear Joyce,


we have admired you and George for
many years while we have been in
Rochester. Through both of you we
learned so much about America.
Thank you. There are no words to
tell you how sorry we are that
George had to take a way we all
have go some day in the future.


Mary and Juergen

Love to the Gibbs family. What a
wonderful father and husband you
have had. We will all remember
George with heartfelt thanks for
his friendship over the years.
Rochester has been blest to have
had him here. We are so lucky to
still have Joyce among us. Our
blessings to you all.


Quentin and Lois Crouch

Dear Joyce, Leilani & Tony,



I was so saddened to hear of
George's death. It certainly is
true that all of his good works and
kindness will live on through the
people that knew him or were
somehow affected by him;hard to
imagine what that huge count must
be! Your husband and dad is one of
my happy childhood memories. His
smile and humor and spirit of
gentle kindness helped me feel
valued and liked (probably took me
up until a few years ago to stop
calling him "Mr. Gibbs!" In my
adult years, he always remembered
my name and always made sure to say
at least hello. He's always had
such a way of making me feel cared
about. What a gift.



I am so sorry for the pain each of
you must be going through. George
was wonderful and will always be a
cherished memory for me. My
prayers are with you.

What a privilege to have George and
Joyce a part of our life. From the
days at University Village to our
last visit in Rochester this fall,
we have treasured this
relationship. Lots of laughs, lots
of memories, which we will treasure
forever. George was one of a kind
and we were privileged to know him
as a friend for 40+ years. God's
blessings to Joyce and family.

George and Joyce moved to Rochester
the same year we moved here - 1963.
They have been involved in numerous
civic, church and community causes,
and have endeared themselves to
countless numbers of persons. They
have been good, treasured friends.
It has been an inspiration to know
George. His greatest legacy, along
with Joyce, must be the family they
have reared and endowed with
inherent values, quality, talent,
and ability. His good works will
live on.

Our prayer to God is one of praise
and thanksgiving for George, and
especially now for Joyce, Leilani,
and Tony and his dear family, for
all their friends and loved ones in
this loss. We pray for God's
healing, sustaining loving care.
Help us all to be strong and
courageous in our faith through
Jesus Christ in whose name we pray.
Bob and Pat

George leaves me with many many
memories, all of them good. I
remember fussing around the front
yard and George passing by. He
always stopped to talk and I
usually learned something.

George was truly a wonderful person.
Never once have I ever seen him
angry. He was even tempered and
kind with a lovely personality. I
will truly miss him. He was like
a "Rock of Gibraltar".

congtalulation

What an extrodinary man. He
cetainly left a legacy to be proud
of. I enjoyed learning more about
him.

To the Gibbs family my sincerest
condolences to you all. Finding
words in moments like these are
difficult for me. George will be
forever remembered as a towering
figure in my life. His"can do"
spirit and smile continues to shine
like a beacon illumionating the way
for all who have encountered his
presence.

George was the pleasant and
openminded man as his picture so
typically expresses. During our
1982-1985 IBM assignement in
Rochester we enjoyed his great
service and friendship. We wish
Joyce and her family well.

Hein and Janske van der Sanden
Beesd, Holland.

George was always "Uncle George" to
me. It's been many years since I left
Rochester but I will always remember
the kindness shown to me as a child
growing up by this family. George's
heart and spirit touched many and now
he is with the one who loved him
best, the Lord. God Bless you all,
you are a part of my fondest
memories.


Carol Wilson, Wayne & Betty Hall's
daughter

Dear Joyce,


Even though I hadn't met George, I
felt I knew him a little from Joe
and Mary's description of him. May
God be good to him and may perpetual
light shine upon him.


Sincerely,

Kay Holzmeister

Dearest Joyce and Family,
Being well aware of George's many
accomplishments during his
lifetime, I would like to add a few
special memories on the lighter
side.

The first thing that comes to mind
is walking side by side with George
at more than one Martin Luther King
Jr. marche in Rochester,
Minnesota. I was proud to be a
part of this.

What fun we had at "Bolos'" in
Menomonie, Wisconsin! It was a
half way meeting place for both
couples. We had a very special
social hour in your charming motel
room!

Remember all of us sleeping
together in one room in your time
share unit in Sedona, Arizona last
winter?!! What a great sport you
were to take in all of the
beautiful sights with us, even when
you became so out of breath. The
dining out was very special. We
even enjoyed what you always
referred to as "Methodist Punch"!!
Bless you, George, in your heavenly
home, and may God watch over Joyce,
Leilani, Tony and all of your
family. You will be greatly
missed, but NEVER forgotten.

With Love,

Kay and Dick Johnson

Dearest Joyce and Leilani...We only
learned today,Nov.18th,of George's
passing.Had recieved Lei's email
before leaving for holiday in
Cancun and we were hoping to come
see him and you all this weekend
sometime...I am so sorry we didn't
get to say goodbye, and so glad
that his death was peaceful and
surrounded by love..like my mom's
earlier this year. George was an
extraordinary and wonderful man,
and I am grateful for all the
wonderful occasions we all
celebrated, so beautifully and
heart-fully, thru-out the many
years that we've been friends.He
will be dearly missed. There are so
many memories, good,joyous,and
laughter filled memories of our
times together,with your family and
so many friends.George was the
gentlest,sweetest,kindest
man,always interested, and always
interesting.He'll make a wonderful
mark in the next life as well.Tom
and I are especially happy that we
were honored to celebrate our
engagement with him, and you, last
fall and that he and Joyce were
able to attend our daughter
Stephanie's wedding with us this
June.Our lives certainly are richer
for his, and your,presence in them.

Our love and condolences to both of
you fabulous,loving and awesome
women, as well as to Tony.



Tom and Hannah

Joyce,

the fact George was surrounded by
friends while peacefully was passing
away,is a very well deserved
blessing that God gave him and You
as being people who spend much time
and energies for the goodness and
happyness of others.

George's joyfull and sincere
relationships, along with Yours,
have always remained in our hearts
and my family all is very close to
you and George in our prayers.

Please accept our condolences and
let us share with you the feeling of
sorrow.

God be with you.

Dear Joyce,

How sorry we are when we heard of
George´s death. We lost a great and
giving person, a good friend.

We are fortunate to have known him
and thanksful of all his help and
assistance we received during our
stay in Rochester.

Our thoughts and sympathy are with
you and your family.

Love, Gerda and Heinz

Dear Joyce,

Please accept my sincere sympathy
on the loss of your husband.

I am a friend of your sister
Marlene, and met you when you were
here in Tacoma, visiting.

Truly,

Maria Barnes

Joyce,



We at Golden-K Kiwanis will miss
George for the the way he led the
Golden-K singers at our meetings.
He can't be beat as a director.



I had the pleasure of working the
peanut donation day with George in
1999. His last Kiwanis peanut day.
As usual George was the top in the
club for peanut donations. As you
know a George Gibbs travelling
peanut award is set up for the top
performer at the the annual peanut
day. Every year the award will be
presented in his name.



God bless you, Bill Otto

Dear Joyce,



Our condolences to all with the loss
of George. We do remember him as a
nice and friendly man.


We wish you and your family all the
best and hope we will stay in
contact.



Kind regards

Esther, Miriam, and Theo van der
Kort.

We are very dismayed that a good
man and friend has passed away.
Please accept our heartfelt
sympathy.We will pray for him and
our frienship and the joyful time
spent together will be in our heart
for ever.

Entering into another of life's
passages, I wish you strength and
love to carry on the loving memory
of George. God bless you, Joyce
and family.



(Dick & Kay Johnson's friend) Mary
Gill Savoren, Birchwood, WI.

Dear Leilani,

Now I know one of the reasons you
are such a wonderful person: You
had such a great Dad!

With thoughts of love and support,

Donna

As a funeral director here in
Houston I see death every day.I
would like to say that Mr. George
has passed on to a new life' Just
keep the faith an the lord will be
with you.

It was an honor to have met such a
distinguished man as George. His
accomplishments are an inspiration
for all disinfranchised people.



Our deepest sympathy to his family.

martin hunter

Our thoughts are with you. Take
care our yourself. Henry's Bunch

Dear Joyce,


Our prayers are with you and your
family.
George will always be with us, in
our memories and our hearts; we
really feel honored and blessed to
have known him.



Ilaria, Elisa, Mariarosa and Valerio

As you go through life, there are
sometimes events or people that you
can point to and say "This person
changed my life". For me George
Gibbs is one of those people. His
strength, determination and
leadership are qualities I will
always remember. One day when I was
a kid, I met this new friend, his
name was Tony. We met at a YMCA
program called Indian Guides and
things just clicked, we were
instant friends. So I thought it
would be fun to have Tony over to
my house to play. What I didn't
know about was the reaction of the
neighborhood kids. Tony and I went
to the back yard to play and
instantly in the yard next store
was a large group of kids shouting
racial slurs at us. Now for two
kids barely in second grade, that
was one of those moments you never
forget. It was a summer day, but it
felt very very cold. Hate was alive
and well in white Rochester in the
60's. It would take a brave man and
a brave family to get though those
days. Tony and I didn't let those
things get in the way of our
friendship and George was always
there to help us out. Whther Tony
and I were playing football or
baseball together, George would
always come out to join us. And I
bet that wasn't easy on that 50
something body of his:)There were
so many good times, Indian guides,
retreats, sleep overs, all the fun
things that kids do. I remember
Georges big laugh and how he
say "Yeow!" when we playing a game
or just having fun. Tony and I went
our seperate ways as we grew older,
but stayed friends (Hi Tony!).We
see each other at class reunions
and talk old times. One class
reunion a few years ago, Tony and I
were talking and one of the kids
who was shouting those slurs came
up to us and apologized to Tony for
that day. He not only apologized,
but wanted Tony to know that he has
taught his children not to be
prejudice to people of color. Like
myself, he could not forget that
day either and it was time to make
amends and let the hate and
ignorance of the past go. That was
another one of those moments in
life I won't forget. I thought of
George and the Gibbs family that
night. And how much they must have
endured to achieve those moments
like that one. George you made a
difference, you changed people and
the way they think. And you helped
me to become a better person. I
thank you and will always remember
you for that. And on the night of
that class Reunion, it felt like
the sun was shining and it felt
nice and warm.

God Bless George Gibbs

What a wonderful loving man. I
thought that when I left Minnesota
at 6 and I thought that when I saw
him recently. The earth has lost a
beautiful soul that heaven has now
gained. My condolences to all.

Joyce&Family



My condolences,prayers and
blessings to you and the family.




Julio a friend of Marlrnr

I met George as a young man in the
70's while volunteering for the
NAACP. His work for the NAACP was
immeasurable. We had him to come to
Duluth on several occasions to speak
with our young people about his life
as an explorer. I last saw, greeted,
reconized and honored him for the
many contributions he made to our
country, state and our people.



George was always kind in my present
and displayed a warm smile that will
always be remembered.



I would like to thank George's
family for sharing him with us.



President of the NAACP


Minnesota/Dakota State Conference

I regret that I did not personally
meet Mr George Gibbs. I am a friend
of his daugher Leilani and was
fortunate to meet Joyce last summer
in Rochester. Reading of his life
story - George certainly led an
interesting, fulfilled life. I know
from Lelani and other friends who
met him - that he was a wonderful
man. I can certainly see that by
looking at his photograph too! What
a warm, gentle face and engaging
smile! To his family - I hope you
find comfort in these words and
in the loving support of family and
friends. I'm thinking about you
during this time.

I met Mr. Gibbs only once, when My
mother-in-law (Verna Bond) asked me
to joined her in a visited to
Rochester. I found George to be
warm and gregarious. He welcomed
us into his hone and we felt like
family. My God Bless the Family.
This is from Clara, Celeste & Verna
Bond.

Joyce and Family:



George was a wonderful person and I
will truly miss him. He was a
sweet and gentle man. His shoes
will be very hard to fill. I will
miss his kindness and caring.



Marlene

Dear "Uncle Gibbs",



I was only three and a half-years
old when Mom & Dad moved the
Seabury family from our home in
Minnesota to New Hampshire.



It's funny what you remember from
childhood, but one of the things I
remember best is how loud and warm
you could laugh. Put you, Joyce
and my parents in a room, and the
whole neighborhood could hear the
laughing.



And now, I hear your laughter
again. Heaven is a happier place
because of it.

George was a true friend to both of
us. Knowing the Gibbs family made
our transition from Champaign to
Rochester an enjoyable. Bob worked
with George in the YWCA,
Toastmasters, NAACP and IBM. We
were present at many dinner parties
at your home where George always
held forth with some lively tales
of his adventures and travels. He
will be remembered fondly.

Our thoughts go out to the Gibbs
family. Memories of our days in
Rochester come flooding back. The
guys would meet together for Indian
Guides, sit on the floor with legs
criss-crossed as they planned all
those fun things for men & boys:
Black Cloud, White Cloud, Grizzly
Bear, Little Bear and those
others. We missed the Y programs
very much, just as we missed the
good friends when we moved in '69.
Our Christian ties bind us and
bless us at this time. Mike,
Ginny, Michael, Steve & Robbie

I know you will be greatly missed
in Rochester, Minnesota. Out of
all the families and people in
Rochester, George and Joyce made my
stay the best, it will never be
forgotten.

Dear Joyce,



I was saddened to hear of George's
passing from my parents, yet I must
tell you there is a smile through
these tears as I remember his
larger than life laugh and feel the
warmth of that great big heart.



How blessed I feel to have crossed
paths with such a great man.



I want to extend my condolences to
you, Tony and Leilani. May God
give you the strength to get
through this difficult time.



Ann (Keagy) Zacharias

We will miss George, he has touched
all of our lives in many special
ways, each with our own cherished
memories. May the grace of God
stride with the family. Forever,
Chris,Clint, Hilary, Brandon, Marcus

George was such a great person.
We will always remember him.



God bless him and his family.

George Gibbs was one of a kind. He
was a great community leader and a
hard worker in anything he did. He
was a loving family man. We
remember him for his time he gave
to our church. Our girls have
found memories of being in his
Sunday school class. They later
became friends with Tony during the
high school years. George always
had a warm smile on his face and
greeted everyone as if they were
family. Our family has truly been
blessed having known George and his
family.



Our love, prayers and thoughts go
to Joyce and her family.

I was saddened to hear of George's
passing. His friendship and
encouragement has always been an
inspiration in my life over the
years. My sincerest sympathy to
Joyce, Lelani, and Tony. I miss
you all. Keith

We're thinking of all of you. I am
glad he was around his friends at
the end. George has always been a
special person to me, and my
favorite Sunday school teacher.

God Bless you all,

Love, June,Stephanie
and Mary Olson

Thank you for helping me know your
father, and husband for the short
visit we had together as he was
convalesing. I wish you all a rich
and active life which holds his
memory and his contributions to
your life precious and active.

I met Mr. Gibbs only once, but my
what an impact that meeting was.
He was so warm and gregarious. And
such a gentleman. Now, after
reviewing his life story, I can see
why my friend, Leilani is such a
positive spirit. His influence and
teachings will continue through
her. My prayers and thoughts are
with you, Leilani and Family. Know
that you haven't lost him but are
just sharing his laughter with
someone else for awhile. Love,
Judy and Family

He was a remarkable guy. He had a
remarkable life. Love to Joyce,

Leilani and Tony

George was a wonderful friend,
mentor and role model. I will miss
his telephone calls asking me
when "I am going to take him to
lunch." He knew all the places in
Rochester to eat and what coupons
to use. He knew how to get things
done in an effective manner with
that wonderful smile of his. The
community will miss the wonderful
contributions of this wonderful
man.

We am saddened that our journey
together with George has ended. We
valued his stories that brought
laughter, and sometimes tears, but
always revealed his desire for
fairness and justice. George was
not traveling alone, and we do not
travel alone. We know that many
others can say with us that our
journey will be better because
George traveled some of it with us.

We will miss him because we carry a
part of him in our souls.

George will always be remembered
for his kindness and
thoughtfulness. He is special
friend to me and my family.We have
shared many joys and some sad
moments, but he always cheered us
up by saying "Today is the
beginning of the first day of my
life, and it gets better." His kind
thoughts and helpfulness has put
smiles on my face and laughter in
my heart.When he called me up, he
would say,"Tiger lets go for
lunch."We would met at his favorite
restaraut to have lunch with him
and his lovely wife Mrs. Gibbs.They
say that behind every great man is
a great woman, well that is Mrs.
Gibbs.They encourage motivation,
kindness, and love to everyone they
meet. He offered me a job through
his employment agency that was when
I first met Geroge in May of 1986.
He has been like a father,brother
and a lot more to me and my son. We
will miss him, but he will always
be in our hearts.

We are far away from your plance,
but George's past-away makes all of
us feel close to Gibbs'family again.
Joyce, we love you. The time Show
spent with you for 2 yearas is his
life time treasure. Condelences to
all of your family from the
Yanagisawas.

Sounds like Mr. Gibbs led a very
blessed and powerful life. He will
live on in his works and the hearts
of many.



Many continued blessings to the
family.

My memories of George are of a
big man with a bigger laugh, who had
an infinite capacity of wonder and
amusement: everything surprised him,
and he laughed at it all. My bride
& I were befriended by the Gibbses
in 1961 when we moved into Unit 341
at University Village, where Joyce
became both our first-born
daughter's daycare operator (and
later our son's) and beloved friend,
and George became a constant source
of amusement, because he invited all
around him to share his joy of life.



That hilarity included such
things as his being a veteran seaman
who had had two ships torpedoed out
from under him--but our friend
Ladislaw had to give him a failing
mark for swimming class because
George could not even swim across
the pool, much less its length, but
instead sank like a rock ... so
George had to get his needed PE
credit by taking a dancing class.
We introduced George to the game of
darts at the Village Union ... and
learned to stand clear when it was
his turn to throw, because only God
knew where the dart would go. And
the same was true when we all took
up the game of Yachtzee, in which
George would enthusiastically shake
the tumbler and then throw the dice
across the room as often as across
the table. But through it all,
George would smile and laugh and
invite everyone around him to share
his joyous appreciation of the world
around him.



Our friendship continued after
George graduated; we drove out to
Rochester through the snow to spend
Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays
with them while we still lived in
the mid-West, and he tried to get me
a job at IBM, but it did not work
out. We were not even separated
when we moved back to New England,
as Joyce & George managed to include
a "side trip" to our home on their
way back from the Montreal World
Fair (we still use the souvenir
jigger they left as a momento), we
got to get Leilani and Tony up to
our place for Thanksgiving when they
were on the east coast, we managed
to make a "side visit" to their
place when we took a cross-country
trip, etc. Through it all, the rest
of us grew older, but George stayed
the same--waving his arms in
enthusiasm, smiling broadly, and
loudly proclaiming "Yowssa!" at
every source of wonder, from
Hammond's Castle to the wide expanse
of beach at our summer place.



Our contact of late years had
dwindled to occasional letters until
Joyce found me on the Internet a few
years back and bridged the gap once
again, sending jokes, prayers, and
happy recollections on a regular
basis. It is hard now to think that
George is not there beside her to
laugh at the things we send back ...
but I surely agree that, if there is
a cloud up there to sit on and watch
the world and life roll by, George
will find a large comfortable one
and slap his knew in continuing
appreciation of our earth-bound
foibles, from recounting the votes
at Palm Beach to listening to
scratchy MP3s. We'll miss him, and
we know our life was better because
he was a part of it, long ago and
far away.



Our deepest sympathy and love
goes out to Joyce & Leilani & Tony.

I received the news last night in a
note from Joyce just before I signed
off to go to bed, and I had to
sadden Ann's day by breaking the
news to her this morning. Suellen
was here with her daughter tonight
for supper when I got home from
work, and she took the news badly,
as "the George" had a special place
in her childhood. Actually, "the
George" had a special place in all
of our lives, and the world was
richer because he was in it.



God bless you, George--and save a
cloud for us.

Ann & Brad Seabury

My friendship with George goes back
to the days when Joyce and I
volunteered at the Red Cross Office
in Rochester in the late 60's.
They generously shared their home
and warmth through the years. No
matter where or when I would "run
into" him, a big smile and
enthusiatic greeting could be
counted on. I will miss the great
times at Thanksgiving.



Shalom

Uncle George has been my only uncle
for many years, being my mother's
favorite brother. I cherish the
memories of Uncle George from my
youth when he visited my family.
He told us many interesting stories
about his travels. He always came
bearing exotic gifts. We were able
to visit each others homes in the
recent past and I certainly value
the moments we had the opportunity
to share. To Joyce, Leilani and
Tony, I offer my deepest sympathy
and heartfelt sorrow. As a
relative, I share your grief. I
deeply regret being unable to
attend the funeral service, but
will be in touch with you over the
next few weeks. Uncle George was a
great man; he made his mark on
society and the world has lost a
great humanitarian. Love, Charles.

I did not know George well, but the
few times I met him (other than
when I was a 5 year old in
Minneapolis) I was always impressed
with his glowing goodness. He was
a shining example of how to leave
this world a better place than when
you found it.

With affection,

Geoff

We met the Gibbs family in 1964,
when we moved to Rochester,
Minnesota. They were members of
Christ United Methodist Church, as
we were. We very soon became
friends and found much in common
with church and musical
activities. Our children were the
same age as their children, and
were school and church classmates.
Joyce Gibbs sang in the church
choir with us and shared many
musical moments. We were invited
by George and Joyce to many social
functions...dealing with the
University of Minnesota, George's
involvement in the Navy, Family
functions, etc. We had spent
special time with George in his
home within the last two weeks of
his life.....and he was the same,
friendly man we had always known
throughout the years. We shall
miss him very much and will
continue to share special times
with Joyce.



Jerry and Carol Smith

My memories of George and Joyce go
back to the '60s when we met in
Rochester. Our children struck up
friendships, especially Chris and
Tony. We shared many enjoyable
experiences through the years.
Later, Joyce and I worked together
at the DAC and that too, was a great
experience. George was a strong
and caring leader in the community.
He was so friendly and kind. He
always had time for you. Sometimes
you don't realize the impression
someone made on you 'til they are
gone. With George, now I know.

We first met George & Joyce through
their son who was a classmate of
ours at John Marshall High School.
Being active musicians they needed
a place to practice and Carol,
being a former music teacher,
volunteered our home. The Gibbs
were very curious about these new
people, one of whom turned
her "ears" (hearing aids) on, and
the other who plugged his ears and
took a nap while they practiced.
They checked, two new friends
entered our lives, and we both sort
of became surrogate parents to each
others sons and firm friends with
their parents.



It never ceases to amaze me that we
lavishly honor those who died for
their country and scorn those who
live for their country. George was
definitely in the latter catagory;
he did not die for his country,
though he took his chances with the
rest of us in exotic foreign places
like Guadalcanal, and he definitely
did live to serve us all. I
recently read an appropriate quote
from Arthur Ashe:


From what we get, we can make a
living;

what we give, however, makes a
life.


This fits George to a tee. His most
characteristic gesture has a hearty
handshake, or if he knew you well,
a bear hug. About his most frequent
phrase was "What can I do for you?"



We are all very fortunate to have
had our time with this remarkable
man and I beseech you not to mourn
George's passing but to remember
with joy and thanksgiving, your
time with him.

To our long time friend, mentor and
leader, you will be missed, but
your memory will remain forever in
our hearts. Your deeds will stand
as a legacy to our community.
Thanks for all your contributions.
We have been blessed by your
presence. Thanks for all your love,
guidance and support.

Twenty-five plus years ago, my
family had moved to Rochester. I
had already met George in his job
as move coordinator. July, 1975,
he invited to dinner. I said yes
and asked where and when. His
reply, "The Kahler Hotel in
September!" For the next two
months he kept reminding me. The
next thing I knew, I had joined the
Toastmasters International
organization (local club, Rochester
Toastmasters #271). His favorite
speech was his adventure to
Antartica. With a little prodding,
we got him to present that speech
with slides to any and all
organizations in Rochester. When
he retired from IBM and thought
about starting his own business, we
spent an entire evening at
Toastmasters giving him advice from
other businessmen in the club.
George quickly became a mentor and
a hero for me. My family will miss
him and his requests for assistance
for some project. Good-bye George.



And to Joyce and and the rest of
the family, thank you for sharing
him with us.

I know you only through your
daughter Leiani, and can see by
your picture that you share the
same smile. You have been a
wonderful teacher and pioneer and
your daughter carries your spirit
in her. Thank you for all of your
contributions, and for touching my
life through the gift of Leilani.
In peace.

We have many fond memories of
George, both as a colleague at IBM
and as a fellow volunteer on various
boards.He was an inspiration to us
and a fine example of a great human
being.

Dear Joyce,


Thanks for setting up this
wonderful way of sending you our
love and greetings at a difficult
moment. We had been married for
less than 5 years (and so had you
and George)when we first met as
neighbors in a row of University
Village quonset huts. We admired
the way that George was setting
about getting a college degree
after a career in the US Navy - and
you seemed to be our most stable
and sensible neighbors !


If, as you say, George has
had a good life it must surely have
been because of the glow of honest
warmth and dependability that he
radiated upon everyone around him !


Our love to Leilani and Tony.



Stan & Delores Thompson