Richard C. Gibson
 

Memorial for Richard C. Gibson

Born in Manchester, NH on Dec. 28, 1927
Passed Away Apr. 24, 2009 and resided in Manchester, NH.
Service: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
11:00 am
Cemetery: New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery

Richard C. Gibson, 81, of Manchester, NH died quietly on April 24, 2009, at the Tidewell Hospice Home, Venice, FL, surrounded by his family following a sudden illness while vacationing. He was born December 28, 1927, in Manchester, the son of Charles and Gertrude (Guevin) Gibson. He was educated in the Manchester school system. A U.S. Air Force veteran during World War II, he participated in the Berlin Airlift and was awarded the WWII Victory and Army Occupancy medals. He later served a second tour of duty as a corporal in the Korean War where he was an aircraft technician. Following the war he continued as an aircraft engineer for Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut and later as a electromagnetic painter. He retired in 1994 after 30 years in the vending maintenance and installation business. During his retirement he was able to pursue his lifelong passion for fly fishing throughout New England and also made trips to Canada, Oregon and Montana. He was a member of the Manchester Fly Fisherman's Association.

Family members include his wife of 56 years, Beverly A. (Newell) Gibson, two daughters, Kim A.G. Desrosiers and her husband Ned of Manchester, Karyn L. Myers and her husband Hanson of Hooksett, three grandchildren, Andrew J. Magoon and his companion Amanda Kimball of Manchester, Adam E.G. Desrosiers and his companion Tara A. Birmingham of Manchester, Molly E. Magoon of Hooksett, great grandson, Cameron J. Desrosiers, Manchester, sister Patricia A. (Gibson) McGrevey of Deerfield, godchild Megan McGrevey, Seattle, WA, an extended family of in-laws in Bedford, NH, Venice, FL and Salem, OR, nieces and nephews throughout NH, MA, WA, OR, and Iraq and step grandson Jason E. Desrosiers and his fiancé Jennifer Chaco of San Diego, CA. He was predeceased by brothers- in- law Robert Ensminger of Salem, OR, Col. Thomas P. McGrevey of Deerfield, NH and Norman "Zeke" Newell of Bedford, NH. "Dick" was a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather. His wife and daughters were the lights of his life. He was "Grampy" to his three grandchildren who loved him dearly and most recently discovered joy in his new great grandson.

He referred to fishing as "the gentle sport" and his support and generosity to his fellow anglers was endless. His patience with the beginner was evident in the many times he was seen on his front lawn demonstrating casting. It was not unusual for him to mentor novice fisherman on a lake or river and help them to perfect their technique. Many encounters like these turned into lifelong friendships. He was an accomplished fly tyer, who also built and restored fly rods. Some of his fondest memories were of fishing on the Columbia and Metolius Rivers with his nephew Steve Ensminger and trips to the Miramichi, Matapedia and Matane in New Brunswick, Canada with pals Nick, Dan, Pep, Jim, Dick, Bruce, Tony, Duane, Herman, Al, Ben, Jay, Arnie, Roger, Jon and Harry. In NH his favorite haunts were Dublin, Echo and Profile Lakes. In his younger years with his daughters he enjoyed snorkeling, fishing, rock climbing and trips to the White Mountains. He could often be found scratching tickets at the 7-Eleven on Mammoth Road, loved keno, Texas Hold' Em and " the dogs". He was always humming a tune and his quick wit and sense of humor delighted all who knew him. He had a passion for books and was extremely well read. Older friends will remember him as "RC", a lover of jazz and the comedy of George Carlin. He will be remembered by many as a gentleman who was honest, hard working, generous and kind, a friend to many and a stranger to no one. He leaves behind many broken hearts but memories of Him will live on and be carried in the hearts of all who loved him.

There are no calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Route 3, Boscawen, NH. Military honors will follow. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Gibson's memory to NH Association for the Blind 25 Walker Street, Concord, NH 03301. The Goodwin Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.goodwinfh.com.


This Memorial Obituary provided by Goodwin Funeral Home and Cremation Services