Obituaries

HERBERT EARL GIBBONS

MARCH 21, 1931 – APRIL 20, 2022

     Is everything okay? Do you need anything? His customary greeting, Earl loved to lend a helping hand and lived his life thinking of others before himself. He is now in Utopia, as he often called it. He delighted in such pragmatisms and had a brilliant repertoire of wise sayings coupled with a clever sense of humour.

Earl was a gentleman and a force to be reckoned with. A member of a disappearing generation, he was a sharp businessman and dressed the part. He maintained his dapper sense of fashion for the rest of his life.

Earl was a sophisticated man yet loved to have fun. Some of his most treasured times were at his cottage at Big Whiteshell Lake, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He lit bonfires, played games, fished and enjoyed boating. He kept the neatest woodpile on the lake. Earl’s passion was spending time with family in nature, no matter what the season.

Earl graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and was a bright student with exquisite penmanship and communication skills. He was hired at Imperial Oil Ltd. and excelled into management, where he proudly worked until his retirement. He was a member of the Khartum Temple for many years, a Shriner with the Drum and Bugle Corp and a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. Earl pursued other interests including curling, golfing, birdwatching, history, attending Bomber games, and gardening. He was a tomato expert. Earl enjoyed many travels with family and friends and had a long and full life.

Earl was born in Winnipeg and grew up on Alexander Avenue. He was the only child of Herbert Henry Morris Patrick Gibbons, a former U.S. Marine turned printer and Leona (Cooke), homemaker. Married in 1954, he is survived by his wife Hope, daughters Cheryl (late Andrew), Glenda (Ralph), Lisa (Michael), four grandchildren Lindsey, Alexis, Justin and Geena, and two great-granddaughters Lara and Elin.

He is beloved by all and his loss will leave a hole in our hearts forever.

Earl passed away peacefully at Heritage Lodge Personal Care Home after having been placed in care for dementia during the last year. He fought it with his usual strong will and determination, until his final breath.

If people so desire, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Fort Whyte Centre, or Ducks Unlimited.

A private family service will be held in his honour.

Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com