John David Gibbs, Sr.

July 7, 1935 – February 12, 2023

John was born into a large, extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The first child of Horace Connor Gibbs (“Junior”), and Thelma (Roberts) Gibbs, he grew up fishing, playing baseball, and learning how to work with suppliers, customers and neighbors at Gibbs & Co., the family’s general store and timber brokerage business in Perkins, MI. He boarded down at St. Norbert’s High School in Green Bay, WI where he excelled in academics, basketball and football developing life-long friendships which continue to this day. John attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a business degree, graduating with the notorious class of 1957. He participated in ROTC and various sports and clubs during college. One spring, “Lightning Gibbs” stepped in for an injured long jumper and hit his best all-time jump to help ND upset Purdue in the Old Fieldhouse.

After graduation John served as a lieutenant for US Army, 910th Field Artillery Battalion with the reserves. Soon after, while embarking on a career in the emerging field of data processing, he joined a social circle through the Catholic Alumnae Club of Minneapolis and met Yvonne Bastyr, a charismatic registered nurse. They fell in love and married, starting their life together in Minneapolis amidst “Moon River”. Moves to Muskegon, Michigan, Park Forest and Park Ridge, Illinois followed, with each stop welcoming a new baby. In 1969, the young family built a new home and settled in the “Ivy Hill” neighborhood of Arlington Heights, IL, to raise their family and put down some roots. On July 23, 2020, John & Yvonne celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in the backyard ~ their beloved home for over 53 years.

John’s career in sales and marketing included positions with firms such as Olivetti Underwood, IBM, and BASF. As co-founder of “The First Computerland of Illinois” in Arlington Heights in 1977, his was among the early pioneers in the retail personal computer business, providing products and services from companies such as Compaq, HP and Jobs/Wozniak’s innovative Apple Corporation during the 1980s PC boom. He eventually retired as Vice President of Information Services International, sourcing national software training professionals.

At their beloved St. Edna Parish, John & Yvonne became a forming family and staunch supporters, thriving in the spiritual community and serving in various ministerial capacities. Over the years John and Yvonne traveled consistently, visiting family and exploring some countries and cultures overseas.

Between rooting for his favorite teams, the Fighting Irish and the White Sox, he enjoyed the wonders of spirituality, photography, and music, particularly Big Band, Jazz, Celtic and Classical. He identified with the native Ojibwe heritage, that duty is related to help and care; it is important to keep your word and to give back to your people and the Creator. Recently, John was particularly inspired to share Brian Doyle’s book of essays “One Long River of Song”, referencing it often.

John is survived by his lifelong love, best friend, & stalwart spouse Yvonne (Bastyr) Gibbs, two sisters Karen (Neil) Martin of Burlington, Wisconsin, Marilyn (Ernest) Jenkinson of Alexandria, Virginia, four children Colleen (Deforest) Howland of Millbrook, New York, Clare (Daryl) Shore of Carmel, Indiana, John Jr. “Jack” (Jennifer) Gibbs of Ashland, Oregon and Mark (Colleen) Gibbs of Ashland, Oregon, and eleven grandchildren who he treasured and corresponded with regularly; Grace and Neil Howland, Andrew, Brandon and Audrey Barber, Ainsley, Brianna, and Connor Gibbs, and Tess, Kalen and Ella Gibbs, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Those who knew John appreciated his soothing presence, stories, and quips. “Bop” was as beloved as a grandpa could be. A true gentleman, kind and thoughtful, as a natural listener he offered comforting conversation and a disarming personality to those he met. Despite some health challenges, John demonstrated eternal optimism, and often signed off with his favorite motto, “Vita Dulcedo et Spes,” translated as life, sweetness and hope. John lived humbly, loved deeply, and died gracefully a richly blessed man. As Fr. Ted Hesburgh would pray, “Come, Holy Spirit”, John’s calling to courageously let go and embrace new life has been answered.

We love you dearly and look forward to seeing you on the other side!

In lieu of flowers, donations in appreciation of John’s life and spirit can be made to the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary, or to the organization of your choice.

Memorial Visitation Friday, March 31, 2023 from 9:00am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. Edna Catholic Church 2525 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.