Rory Keough Gibbons

Rory Keough Gibbons, 82, of Modesto, California, passed away on November 13, 2023. He was born on June 12, 1941, in Shanghai, China, where he lived with his family in the French Concession within the International Settlement on the Huangpu River. Rory's early years were marked by the turmoil of war, as his father served as an Intelligence Officer for the British government. During the Second World War, his family was imprisoned by the Japanese Army, but they were liberated by US Marines in 1945. After the war, they briefly returned to Shanghai but had to flee during the Communist Shanghai Campaign of 1949.

Rory had a deep appreciation for education and attended primary school in the French Concession before moving to the United States. He graduated from Hayward High School in Hayward, CA, and went on to earn his Journeymen cards as a Millwright and Machinist.

Rory proudly served in the British Royal Marines, with a deployment to Borneo. His military associations were an important part of his life, and he carried the discipline and camaraderie he learned during his service throughout his life.

In his civilian career, Rory worked as a highly skilled Machinist and Millwright for various companies, including United Can in Hayward, CA, Carnation Pet Food in Oakland, CA, Riverbank Army Ammo Plant, and Libby Owens/Pilkington Glass Plant. He was also known for his expertise as a gunsmith and hunting guide. Rory's passion extended to rebuilding American muscle cars and building Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Outside of work, Rory had a wide range of hobbies and interests. He enjoyed riding his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle, exploring his passion for photography with his collection of Leica cameras, and embarking on yearly camping trips to Cherry Lake. Rory was also an avid firearms enthusiast and a lifelong student of history.

Rory will be deeply missed by his children: Georjette Gibbons (Rose), Paulette Field-Stubbings (Brad), Heather Andrade (David), Shauneen Terrell (Brian), and Angelique Stacy (Dave). He was also cherished by his grandchildren: Dustun Field, Liam Field, Brendan Sutton, Brynna Field, Grayson Terrell, and Calliope Stacy, as well as his great-grandchildren: Annalysia Field and Gwendolyn Field.

Rory was preceded in death by his father, Patrick Samuel Gibbons, his mother, Alice Elizabeth Gibbons, his sister, Pat Hart, his brothers Sonny Gibbons, Patrick Gibbons, and Eamonn Gibbons, and his sisters Erin Gibbons, Allison Gibbons, and son Rory Gibbons, Jr.

A lifelong Catholic, Rory found solace and strength in his faith. His cremated remains will be interred in the Chapel of Remembrance at Lakewood Memorial in Hughson, CA.

The funeral home assisting with the final arrangements is Lakewood Memorial, located in Hughson, CA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Gibbons family.