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Normand Gibbons Obituary
1931 ~ 2014
Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Normand Lee Gibbons, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 1, 2014.
Norm was born June 9, 1931 in Los Angeles, California to Jesse Ernest and Eleanor Jane Asay Gibbons. His family later moved to Castle Dale and later St. George where he graduated from Dixie High School in 1949. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany where he also volunteered at a Lutheran orphanage shaping his life-long commitment to serving others. Norm graduated from Brigham Young University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology, political science, speech and music. In 1959 he received a Master of Science degree in special education and psychology. Norm's entire professional career was focused on helping others. He was a placement counselor at the Utah State Industrial School, a juvenile delinquent counselor, school counselor, assistant principal and principal at Cyprus High School and Kearns Jr. High School. In 1967 Norm joined the staff at the University of Utah working as the first director of high school services, director of admissions, dean of student affairs and vice president of student affairs. He retired in 1996. He was also active in his community serving on the Pioneer Valley Hospital Board of Directors for a number of years. He was a founder of the Utah Boys Ranch and was also heavily involved in the establishment and subsequent operation of both the Utah Girls Village (now Utah Youth Village) and Lowell Bennion Community Service Center. Norm married Arva Gae Curtis August 3, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. He and Gae remained devoted to each other for the next 42 years until her passing January 27, 1998. He truly loved his home, neighbors and the west side. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission to the Central Atlantic States from 1950-1952. Norm held numerous callings throughout his life, including High Council and first counselor in the Stake Presidency. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing right up to his last days.
Norm is survived by his children: Gaston, Mike, Ron (Jennifer), Christy and Robert; grandchildren: Ryan, Robi, Elizabeth, Parker and Macy; brother, Don. Preceded in death by his wife, Gae; parents; sister, Jessie Jane Brandenburg. While we are heartbroken by his passing, we rejoice to know he is enjoying a joyous reunion with our dear mother and grandmother.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Wentworth/Stratford special care community in Draper. In lieu of flowers, Norm requested contributions be made to the Utah Youth Village.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 6, 11:00 a.m. at the Jordan North Second Ward, 4270 South Falcon Street (4145 W.) Viewings will be held Wednesday, March 5, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Thursday at the church, 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road (1700 W.).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Normand Gibbons
Sponsored by McDougal Funeral Home.
Jeff Gregerson
February 27, 2019
Norm was one of the great ones. Even in his failing years, when he couldn't remember who you were, the kindness of his heart still came through. He was gracious until the end. I will always remember him with love and kindness.
March 29, 2014
I always meant to write to Mr. Gibbons and thank him for his support and encouragement when I was a student at Cyprus High School. He was a wonderful, caring man who had a major impact on students' lives, including mine. I'm so sorry I waited too long to tell him.
My sincerest sympathy to his family.
Judy Pehrson
Cyprus Class of '63
University of Michigan Class of '68 and '72
Together Forever...
Christy Curtis
March 16, 2014
A beautiful man who touched so many lives and will never be forgotten.
Christy Curtis
March 13, 2014
Just wanted to say a special thank you to the nursing staff and hospice staff at the Wentworth and Stratford for the loving care you all gave to our dad and for making sure that he was comfortable and in no pain. A special thank you to Rob for taking dad under his wing and bringing him extra food to make sure dad was never hungry. God bless you all for the wonderful work you do and for making a big difference in so many lives.
Norm and his grandson, Robi.
Christy Curtis
March 13, 2014
Norm and his grandson, Robi.
Christy Curtis
March 13, 2014
Norm and his beloved wife Gae and grandchildren Parker, Macy and Ryan
Christy Curtis
March 13, 2014
Norm and grandson Ryan
Christy Curtis
March 13, 2014
Norm and beloved sister Jane
Christy Curtis
March 13, 2014
A young Norm
Christy Curtis
March 13, 2014
L Brown
March 8, 2014
An amazing person who helped me when I needed it most.
The world is less with him missing.
TAMI giibbons
March 7, 2014
THE MOST UNIQUE AND AMAZING MAN THAT I WAS VERY BLESSED TO KNOW AND TO BE PART OF HIS FAMILY,I WILL MISS HIS SMILES AND WARMTH OF COMPASSION,NORM WAS A TRUE GENTLEMAN: MY HEART AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW,WITH ALL MY LOVE TAMI
grandpa gibbons with grandsons Ryan & Robi with Daughter in law Tami gibbons taken in the parking lot at the delta center before entering the Circus
tamara lowe Gibbons
March 7, 2014
grandpa gibbons-grandsons Ryan and Robi at delta ceter circus septemeber 1999
tamara lowe Gibbons
March 7, 2014
Serea Park Orem Utah -august 1979
tamara lowe Gibbons
March 7, 2014
Christy Curtis
March 6, 2014
Rest peacefully dad. Your wonderful legacy will live on. Thanks for being the most wonderful father in the world. Enjoy your reunion with mom...I love you and will miss you and think of you every day.
Charie Curtis Markham
March 6, 2014
My condolences to the family at your dad's passing. I am sure he will always be a big part of your lives..because of the love you always showed for each other. I will remember this kind and genuinely loving man for the rest of my life! Norm had a heart of gold and always had the ability to make you feel important and loved. I will remember his great smile and his laugh that touched my heart. I always felt blessed to have known him and the love that he shared with me and for his sweet wife and family. What a wonderful friend and father you were for so many. Norm, you will be missed... Thank You for the great impact you had on everyone you touched.! Love you always, Charie Curtis
March 6, 2014
Norm was a kind, warm, fun, loving person even in his last days as he struggled with disease. He always had a smile for everyone. His voice was beautiful up until the last. What a great man. We truly grew to love him a great deal. We will miss him, but are also happy for him that he has returned to his Father in Heaven. Kirk and Lana Denison, Wentworth Branch
Bill Barnhart
March 6, 2014
Norm will always be the single greatest mentor of my life. He taught me patience, respect for others, and the value of loyalty.
Through his vision and leadership, the University of Utah was able to develop international programs and services that provide cross cultural experiences across the university community.
I will always treasure his friendship.
Bill Barnhart
Jana Klein
March 6, 2014
I remember President Gibbons being a good friend to our family when I was a teenager. We loved him! He was a wonderful man.
Jeff Gregerson
March 6, 2014
One of the kindest men I have ever known. A sweet and gentle man. I sang in the group Take 5 and we did high school assemblies for the University of Utah back in the '60's. Norm was our boss at High School Relations. On my last visit to see him recently, he took my hand and kissed it.
The world is a little darker today since his passing. But he is restored.
John
March 6, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Love Ya Norm. SANTA & JINGLES UNCLE NORMAND
March 6, 2014
March 5, 2014
I knew he loved me and his counsel during my parents divorce, meant alot to me. Glen Brandenburg Nephew
Hector Robles
March 5, 2014
I'm very pleased to see what Norman has accomplished during his life. I've had the pleasure of working with him he was tough till the very end. Rest in paradise my friend.
Elaine Casebolt Soren
March 5, 2014
He was an awesome man. We had fun at Cyprus during his administration. I graduated 1966 and those were the good ole days.
Robert Leonard
March 5, 2014
I met Norman in North Carolina when he was a missionary and did church services on the Military base,group from Utah, we all became friends. I've remembered him still. Sending sympathy to his family. His accomplishments were many. Sincerely, Robert B. Leonard
Brent Overson
March 5, 2014
Thanks Norm for helping me get a college education. In 1967 my father was killed in a construction accident. As the oldest of six children and a mother who dropped out of school in the eighth grade, I didn't have much hope of going to college. I was a senior at Bingham High, watching as others prepared to move on to college. As my graduation day grew near, I was introduced to Normand Gibbons by a teacher. Normand helped me get financial aid so that I could enroll at and attend the University of Utah. It was a blessing from heaven my dear mother was not able to provide. I later graduated with a degree in finance and have enjoyed a very successful career. And I have helped my children with their higher education pursuits. So Normand's guidance and gift to me continues to provide for generations to come. I can see that he has helped many others from the West side of the valley. Thanks Normand. My condolences to family and friends of a wonderful man.
Lee Romrell
March 4, 2014
I enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Norm. My condolences to the family.
March 4, 2014
After the death of my father, at 15, Mr. Gibbons was at my side with understanding, compassion and guiding me on the path which I chose. This path has brought me the happiness I longed for.
Thank You Mr Gibbons for the path you chose to help the children on the west side.
MarRae York Davis
Cyprus High 1962
Linda Stewart Meyers
March 4, 2014
I was at both Kearns Jr. and Cyprus, he was always kind, firm and just. He was an excellent example to the youth.
With great respect,
Linda Stewart Meyers
Ned Stringham
March 4, 2014
I served as Student Body President in 1986 while Norm was VP of Student Affairs. He was a terrific mentor.
Bill Fowler
March 4, 2014
Norm hired me to work in School Services at the U of U. He was a friend, mentor and role model for so many young people. He loved everyone and was always full of light, energy and great ideas. He was a wonderful humanitarian and great educator. We will miss him.
Kathleen Cottam
March 4, 2014
As a high school student at Cyprus years ago, I had Mr Gibbons as an advisor and I so looked up to and respected his quiet demeanor and ability to work with all types of students. He was a great man.
Dan Mathis
March 4, 2014
I had the opportunity to get acquainted, although for a short time, with him via his son Ron who is married to my sister Jennifer. Knowing Ron I can see many of the great and amazing qualities that he got from his father, Normand. What a wonderful legacy he left behind!
Chuck Salazar Anna Vasquez
March 4, 2014
Norm served me well as a mentor when I wasn't sure what life was all about. His confident and direct nature made me feel like I would do okay. He also served my wife with the same leadership. Thank you Norm.
Tootsie Lowe
March 3, 2014
I was so sadden by the passing of Norm.He was such a caring,loving,person.When me,Tammy,Robi would go to visit him at his home he would always try to feed us or give us a drink.You would feel very welcomed to his home.loved his sense of humor.These are just a few things i will miss about norm.To the family I"m so very sorry of your loss.May God bless you all.love Tootsie Lowe.
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