Obituary of Brian Maurice Gibbs

June 12, 1946 - Dover, Kent, England

September 24, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Brian Maurice Gibbs of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the age of 78 years.

Brian was born in Dover, England on June 12, 1946, to parents Vincent and Veronica Gibbs. He grew up along the White Cliffs of Dover. He attended the Dover Grammar School for Boys, graduating in 1963. He continued his education at the London School of Economics, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with Honours, in 1969. While in London, he met his wife, Sandra, and they were married in St Mary in Castro, Dover England in 1968. After immigrating to Canada with his wife Sandra, Brian went on to earn his Chartered Accountant designation.

Brian began his professional career as an accountant at Thorne Riddell. After 29 years, he retired as a partner from KPMG to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. He had a passion for financial markets and an intriguing business mindset; his brain was wired to work, and he enjoyed it.

Brian was an athlete and choirboy in his younger years. He had a love for cricket and football. Upon his arrival in Canada, he became active in tennis, squash, long-distance running, and golfing. He embraced the culture of his new country, to raise his daughters while immersing himself in the lifestyle of Calgarians. With his family, he learned to ski, fly fish, play hockey, scuba dive, and embrace the mountains and cowboy lifestyle. He cherished summer adventures, including camping and family road trips. You name it, he wanted to be a part of it.

Over the years, Brian was a member of The Bow Valley Club, The Calgary Golf and Country Club, The Glencoe Club, The Glencoe Golf and Country Club, and Christ Church Elbow Park. He loved to read, listen to business and world news, constantly learning so he could share his thoughts and opinions. He was the spotlight of the room, known for his sense of humour, whimsical stories, and infectious laugh. He enjoyed English football, Calgary Flames Hockey, Formula 1 racing, and the latest technology. Brian actively engaged in many social activities with family and friends, and you could always strike up a conversation about his favourite football club, Manchester United.

Brian is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra Gibbs; daughter Heather Williams (Bryce) of Calgary; daughter Katherine Charles (Justin), grandson Andrew Charles, of Cochrane; sister-in-law Angela Gibbs of Dover, England; sister-in-law Maralyn Bell of Derby, England; cousin Jeff Cooper of Maidstone, England; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the second oldest son of the late Vincent and Veronica Gibbs. He was predeceased by his beloved younger brother Peter Gibbs.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Church Calgary in Elbow Park (3602 - 8th Street S.W. Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Crump Room.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the Foothills Medical Centre, The Libin Cardiovascular Institute, and the many nurses and staff for their support and compassionate care over the last few years.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Telephone: (403) 210-6271, libin.ucalgary.ca/donate.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Brian Gibbs' family here.

In living memory of Brian Gibbs, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.

Click Here to View Brian's Memorial Card