Victor Gibson Sears

Victor Gibson Sears (Gib), a longtime Spokane, Washington resident, died January 4, 2012 at his son’s home in Herriman, Utah. He was born February 18, 1915 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leo Victor and Pearl Robena Gibson Sears. He married Ruth LaVirlle Elder on September 2, 1939. After 62 years of marriage she preceded him in death in 2002. His two younger siblings, Keith Ashworth Sears and Marjorie Carlston, also preceded him in death.

When Gib was 5 years old, the family moved to Spokane where he attended Jefferson Grade School and graduated from Lewis & Clark High School. He received the BSA Eagle Scout award in 1935 receiving 3 palms and 65 merit badges. He had a life long commitment to Scouting serving in the Washington Blue Mountain Council. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 1952.

He attended the University of Washington before beginning his 43 year career with Seattle First National Bank which was interrupted to serve active duty as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp during World War II. In 1950 he was promoted to manager of the Connell Branch of the bank which he managed for 11 years. While in Connell, he served on the town council and then as Mayor from 1952-1956. Returning to Spokane he managed the branch at Northtown and finally as Vice President and Manager of the Spokane and Eastern Branch, retiring in 1980.

He was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving as a Branch President in Connell, as Bishop of the Spokane 1st Ward, and various other positions of leadership in Spokane. He served in the Seattle and Spokane LDS temples for 25 years.

When he was not volunteering in his community or his church, Gib enjoyed being in the great outdoors. He enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, bowling and golfing. He spent many summers with his family at their cabin on Newman Lake and later at their home on Liberty Lake.

He is survived by his 4 children and their spouses Roger (Natrone), Susan Field (JD), Jim (Judy) and John (Jody), 22 grandchildren and 63 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held in the Evergreen Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 14111 E 16th Ave in Spokane Valley on Tuesday January 10, 2012 at 10 am preceded by a viewing at 9 am. Interment will follow the service at Greenwood Memorial Terrace.