Randy Gibson

Randall (Randy) Thomas Gibson

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Randall (Randy) Thomas Gibson on Friday, June 24, 2011 at the Health Science Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 60 years.

Predeceased by his mother Lakie Gibson (McCleary) 2000; father Bill Gibson 2005; brother Craig Gibson 2006; and sister-in-law Gail Gilroy.

Randy leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Susan of Winnipeg, MB; his son Shane (Ali); extended family Paul Gilroy (Anne-Marie); Ernie Gilroy (Wendy); Dianna Watson (Billy); and mother-in-law Pearleen Gilroy (Smith); and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews who treasure their memories of 'Uncle Randy Days' and the laughter and love they shared. To his cousins and friends he was a brother.

Randy was born in Portage la Prairie on July 13, 1950 and grew up on 3rd Street North West attending Prince Charles School, graduating from Portage Collegiate Institute and later taking various courses at Red River College in Winnipeg, including photography, which was a life-long passion. Randy met the love of his life Susan in 1971, and they married in Portage la Prairie on July 19, 1974. Randy explored a variety of work throughout his life, including as a surveyor in Northern Manitoba; a postal carrier in Calgary and Winnipeg; a photo technician and Unit Clerk at the Health Sciences Centre; a photographer; and a business manager among other endeavours. Randy was a gentle soul with an incredible sense of humour who loved puns, wordplay and jokes that would make most groan. He will be remembered by all that knew him for his eagerness to help selflessly and the kindness and respect with which he treated everyone. Randy's greatest pride in life was his son Shane who had the good fortune to inherit his father's best.

Randy was seldom seen without a camera and had a keen eye for a good photograph. Randy was also interested in photo history, antiques and collectibles and spent the later part of his life selling the treasures he collected on-line. He loved music, especially Neil Young.

Randy was also a founding member of SPARK Arts and Disability Network Inc., a faithful volunteer with Winnipeg Harvest, a dedicated environmentalist and an active community member.

There will be a gathering to celebrate Randy's life Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent. Interment will follow at a later date in a private ceremony at the Gibson plot in Portage Hillside Cemetery.

Randy would want everyone who loves him to remember this quote from one of his favourite authors, Kurt Vonnegut: "So it goes."

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Randy's memory to Winnipeg Harvest, 1085 Winnipeg Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0S2; the David Suzuki Foundation, 219 - 2211 West 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6K 4S2; or to the SPARK Arts and Disability Network Inc. c/o The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350-1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com