Obituary of Richard Gibbons

Richard (“Rick”) Knight Gibbons succumbed to cancer on August 17, 2013. Born September 30, 1926, in Oakland, CA, to Muriel and Joseph R. Gibbons, he is survived by his loving wife, Janet, his sister, Leonie, a son, Rod, grandsons Jake and Wyatt Gibbons (the sons of Rick’s deceased son, Randy), 3 step-children and 4 step-grandchildren. Rick and Janet were sweethearts at Olympia high school. But, with Rick’s graduation in 1945 (after which his family moved to Seattle), Rick and Janet lost contact with each other. Decades later, when Rick attended his 50th high school reunion in Olympia, he and Janet, now a widow, met again, and the romance reblossomed. They were soon married, and, until his passing, enjoyed a much-treasured 17 years together. An avid outdoorsman and boater up through his middle-years, Rick retained a keen interest in the regions’ tow-boat scene that continued long after his employment with Puget Sound Tug & Barge. An easy-going man, a loving husband and father, Rick will be much missed. Rick’s memorial service will be held September 8, at 1:00 PM, at Laurel Oaks clubhouse, Lacey, WA.