Obituary of Walter Melbourne Gibbons

Walter Melbourne Gibbons

1936-2024

With great sadness the family of Walter M Gibbons of Red Bay, Labrador announce his passing on September 21, 2024 at the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau.

Walter leaves with fond and loving memories his devoted wife Linda (née Yetman) of 57 years; his children Cindy (James), Ricky (Amanda) and Eugene (Phyllis); his grandchildren Shena, Olivia, Sara and Matthew; and his great granddaughter Lily. He also leaves behind many extended family members and a wide circle of friends and hunting and fishing buddies, especially his long-time friend Ron O'Brien, whom he spoke with every night as long as he was able.

He was predeceased by his father Thomas in 1938, his mother Beatrice (née Earle) in 1943 and his grandmother Eliza Gibbons (née Ryan), who raised him after the untimely loss of his parents, in 1979. 

Walter was a hard-working fisherman his entire life, but also worked at other things, most notably on building the road between Red Bay and Pinware in the 1960s and later as a snow plow operator on that same stretch of highway. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting and ice fishing. His focus on hard work and productivity has shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren. 

During his most recent years he was dedicated to his family, especially to the accomplishments of his grandchildren and particularly this year on the arrival of his great granddaughter Lily. He even learned to use Facetime so that he could talk to her. In addition he kept in touch daily with his children to know what they were up to. There was also a wide circle of friends that he spoke to by phone on a regular basis to keep up on their news.

In keeping with Walter's wishes, cremation is taking place, and a celebration of his life is planned for the near future.