Clifford Reid Gibby

Clifford “Reid” Gibby, aged 94, passed away on March 16, 2025 at his longtime home in Stevenson Ranch, California. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Reid was born on September 27, 1930 in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1948 and earned his Eagle Scout badge (with Bronze and Gold Palms) in Troop 397. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the South Seas island of Samoa.

In 1951, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After completing basic training and air police school, he met his future wife, Shirley, at a Thanksgiving church dance at the Wilshire Ward. Three weeks later, they eloped and were married at the Little Brown Church in the Valley.

Reid reported for duty at his new assignment at the base in Portland, Oregon, where he and Shirley lived until receiving orders for overseas duty at the NATO base in Iceland.

After the military, he worked at Continental Bakery in Beverly Hills while attending Los Angeles State College (now Cal State LA) on the GI Bill. He graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Technical Science.

Reid taught Industrial Arts—specializing in Metal Shop—for 27 years at Le Conte Junior High in Hollywood, sometimes teaching math, history, and geography. His love of learning led him to earn three A.A. degrees, a Travel Consultant Certificate, and work 15 years as a travel agent at Farmers Market Travel & Tours.

He and Shirley traveled the globe—visiting every continent except Antarctica—on 64 cruises, for 646 days on 45 ships, and 225 days across 10 trips to Europe. His thirst for knowledge, zest for life, and sense of adventure made him unforgettable.

Reid is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Shirley June Canepa Gibby; his son, Jon Steven Gibby; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law; a niece; cousin; and friends. He was predeceased by his eldest son, James Reid Gibby, and his sister, Caryll Ann Brewerton.

A private funeral with military honors will be held at Riverside National Cemetery.