Arthur Willis Gibbs

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 28th at 10:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5215 - 56th Street, Barrhead, Alberta.

Arthur was born (or in his words, "hatched") on February 21, 1932 in Camp Creek, Alberta, to George Arthur and Ruth Crystal (Smith) Gibbs (both deceased), from Michigan.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marjorie (Olsen), of 50 years (m. 1954-2004), and dear wife Elizabeth (Anderson) of 6 years (m. 2005-2011).

He leaves behind many who will miss him: his lovely wife Virginia (Nash) (m. 2012--); 6 children Kenneth (Kaylee) Gibbs of Riverton Utah, Debora (Garry deceased) Hoag of Barrhead, Judy (Scott) McDonald of Herriman Utah, Ruth (Kris) Nordal of Calgary, Bernita (Christopher) Burt of Edmonton, and Deann Dixon of Barrhead; 25 grandchildren; 31+ great-grandchildren; foster-daughter Lila Dibblee of Edmonton; 1 brother-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

As a young man, Arthur worked in a variety of occupations, including farming, construction and customs freight in the Coutts, Alberta area. When he met Marjorie, she was quick to fall in love with his curly, brown hair and the twinkle in his eyes, and they married in 1954. Following their dream of purchasing their own land, they moved their young family north to Blue Ridge in 1964. Two years later, they moved their dreams and their home to the Campsie area near Barrhead, Alberta, where it still stands today.

In 1969, Arthur & Marjorie started Thunder Barr Ranches, importing Simmental cattle from Switzerland. Then in the late 1970's, Arthur returned to his carpentry talent and started CamBarr Construction. CamBarr built many homes, garages, barns, school pods, administration buildings, etc. throughout the areas of Barrhead, Swan Hills, Lacombe, Burnt Timber and Virginia Hills.

Arthur was a gentle, quiet man with a fun, mischievous sense of humor. He was respected for his talents, his wisdom, and his charity to others. When he wasn’t busy with his work or farm responsibilities, he enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, or planting potatoes.

He was a loving husband and father, a righteous leader, and an exemplar of faith and devotion to his family and to all who knew him. He served as a Branch President, ward missionary, and a temple worker for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Arthur loved and honored our Saviour, Jesus Christ through his service. He even learned basic computer skills for researching family history (or in his words, "chasing dead people").

Arthur was truly loved and will be missed by all his family and friends.