Denis L. Gibbs

Denis was born and raised in Garden City, Michigan. His father was a World War II veteran and Ford Motor Company worker; his mother was a school teacher. At the precious age of three, Denis was given M&M’s (a luxury at the time) during a doctor’s visit and decided that if doctors could afford this candy, then he was going to become one.

As a student, Denis excelled. He earned top marks throughout school and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. His quest for knowledge and adventure continued through graduate school, where he completed an arduous biology expedition in the jungles of Peru. He was later accepted into Kansas City University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and dedicated himself fully to his studies. While there, he also made friends and lifelong memories that he would frequently recount later in life (often in 3rd person). After four years of medical school, Denis achieved his dream, and graduated as a physician. His education then continued for five more grueling years, as he specialized in Radiology with a residency and internship at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

At the onset of his professional career Denis started a family by welcoming four sons, helping to raise a step-daughter, and relocating to Denver, Colorado. It was there that the talented, young doctor was soon elected Chief of Staff at Rocky Mountain hospital. In the early 1980s he recognized the lifesaving potential of cutting edge technology in women’s health and opened one of Colorado’s first mammography clinics, Southwest Medical Imaging Center. His burgeoning career continued with a move to Fort Morgan, Colorado in 1988, where he grew the Radiology practice at Fort Morgan Community Hospital (later Colorado Plains Medical Center). Denis was beloved by the hospital staff and within the community. During his tenure in Fort Morgan, Denis met Kathleen and the two married.

In 2002 Denis returned to his native Michigan, where he worked in private practice in Niles and St. Joseph, and later merged with the Advanced Radiology Services group. The passion he held for his work was a defining quality for Denis. He demanded perfection of himself and viewed every X-ray, CT scan, MRI, mammogram, and nuclear medicine scan not as mere images of bone and tissue, but as his patients who relied on his care and expertise. He insisted on meticulously reviewing every patient’s full history for any clue that may lead to the correct diagnosis. Each case was like a puzzle that he was compelled to solve and he did so with great satisfaction. This labor of love saved more lives than can be counted, and twice earned him ‘Doctor of the Year’ honors.

Denis loved his work, his patients, and his staff and continued as a practicing Radiologist for the remainder of his life. This love was exceeded only by his love of family, to whom he dedicated himself entirely. He ardently invested his wisdom, time, faith, and generosity in his sons, ensuring each received an education, opportunity, and an upbringing with christian values. He was enormously proud that his wife and sons all earned college degrees and attended graduate school. He treasured time with his family and enjoyed grilling steaks, RV road trips, relaxing in the hot tub, swimming in the pool, vacationing, telling stories, cracking jokes, and making memories together.

Denis was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen and their son Andrew. From a prior relationship, he is survived by his sons, Jeremy, Matthew, Kevin (Geffroy), and Patrick (Hayley); step-daughter Jennifer; and grandchildren Lauren, Elliott, and Penelope. He will be remembered as many things: an exceptional radiologist who practiced medicine for more than 50 years; a lifelong Seventh-Day Adventist; a brilliant man who was loving, humble, and generous; a lover of simple pleasures in life, like a sabbath afternoon drive, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tune on the radio, fishing and golfing with his sons, holding hands on walks with his wife, a hot bowl of french onion soup “crispy on top and not burnt”, summer afternoons with watermelon or a bowl of cherries, chocolate malts with pineapple, virgin strawberry daiquiris with real strawberries, his secret to the perfect tomato or green apple: “salt to taste”, and for setting the thermostat to a “comfortable” 90 degrees year-round. Most of all, Denis will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who quietly and selflessly changed the lives of all those who were blessed to know him.

Throughout his life Denis was fortunate to have seen much of the world. His preferred method of travel was Amtrak, although he would fly when necessary for the most important of occasions. In this way, Denis and Kathleen took their final flight together–to the place where it all began–Colorado, where the journey would conclude in a private ceremony honoring a remarkable man: Dr. Denis L. Gibbs.

Epilogue

Jacob Blesses His Sons [Genesis 49:1, 28, and 33 ESV]

Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come.1

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him.28

When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people.33

Similar to Jacob, our Dad had all sons, whom he loved deeply. He always put his children first and spared no expense ensuring they never had to experience the same hardships or adversities he had faced growing up. His impact will not be forgotten, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Condolence card acknowledgements may be sent to Olinger Chapel Hill 6601 S. Colorado Blvd., Centennial, CO 80121, or P.O. Box 820 Niles, MI 49120.

Tribute Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&app=desktop&v=ol42VLzIf8A&feature=shared