Mr. John Avon Gibson

John Avon Gibson

1932 - 2017

John Avon Gibson- aka Sarge, died at age 84 on Sunday March 5, 2017, at Sunnybrook Hospital, L Wing.

Born in Gibson Woods, he was the son of the late Leander Gibson and Lucy Isabel Gibson. When John was 14 years old, he joined the reserves of the West Nova Scotia Regiment. Three years later, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). His last change of regiment took him to Ipperwash near London, Ontario. He was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Queen’s Own Rifles.

Sergeant Gibson served many years in the army and performed two tours of duty in Korea, where he received much recognition and several medals that he wore proudly.

After his army days, John Gibson settled happily into civilian life. He worked for Bernert Young on a horse farm and also worked for George Turner for several years on his farm. When he settled in Toronto, Ontario he worked for UPS as a packer, several factory jobs and later became a baker. John was a resident at Sunnybrook Hospital and was a favourite amongst staff. He enjoyed cooking breakfast, helping to serve ice cream from the ice cream truck and made ceramics that were sold in the gift shop. He was also a volunteer for recreation therapy, he participated in many veteran activities including Bingo, baseball games and Legion trips. John also enjoyed spending time with family and was famous for the line, “Sibby channel 53 wrestling”. Wrestling was his favourite program when it came to TV.

He is survived by his children Darlene, Mary, Bryant, Henry, Glen, Robert, Tony and Tracy. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers; Johnny (Angus), Wilfred, Wayne, Carl and four sisters; Bernice (Joseph Gomes), Leah, Judy (Inayne Ryan) and Sibby. He was predeceased by Eugene, Shirley, Muriel, Geraldine, Dougie, Maude and Isabel.

A special appreciation to the staff of Sunnybrook Hospital Veteran’s L-Wing, 3rd Floor.