GIBSON, Douglas

GIBSON

Douglas Shannon Gibson of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on January 15, 2018 at the age of 84, following a brief illness. Doug was born in Dinsmore, Saskatchewan on January 8, 1934. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter (Bentley) and Gertrude Gibson, and his sister, Joyce Gibson.

Doug was raised in Saskatchewan and attended school in Lloydminster, where he excelled in football, hockey, and baseball. In 1956 he moved to the Yukon and maintained microwave communication systems for CN Telecommunications. Doug loved the Yukon, and was proud of the boat he built that allowed him to sport fish on Teslin Lake. He also enjoyed fishing for Arctic Grayling in the area’s numerous rivers and streams.

After moving back to Lloydminster in 1963, Doug started a job with AGT (Telus) as a Communications Technician, working his way up to Central Office Manager, and remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1993. He developed a passion and proficiency for golf, won several championships, and enjoyed the game well into his late seventies. Travel was important in Doug’s life after retirement, and he spent time in Arizona, Mexico, and Europe. A vacation to his ancestral home of Ireland had special meaning to him.

Doug was a talented musician, and he learned to play several instruments by ear. He was an accomplished harmonica player, and played drums, harmonica, guitar, and sang lead and backup vocals in a country band in Lloydminster. After retirement, Doug was a member of several musical groups and vocal ensembles. He also developed a love for karaoke, and entertained many friends at the Senior’s Centre in Lethbridge.

Doug is survived by two sons, Kevin Gibson of Edmonton and Don Gibson of Calgary, a daughter Cheryl Preston of Regina, grandsons Rick and Ryan Preston of Edmonton and Josh Gibson of Calgary, granddaughters Trish Robins of Langley, Erin Gibson of Calgary, great-grandsons Hunter Preston and Porter and Carson Robins, and loving companion Shirley Sewell of Lethbridge.

Doug’s quick wit, engaging personality, passion for life, and love for his family and friends will be greatly missed by those that knew him. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held in Calgary at a later date.