Anthony "Tony" Michael Gibbs

Tony was a loving husband to Celia for 62 years. He was a devoted father to Stephen and Susan (Stan) and proud grandfather to Sydney (Larsen) and Adam. He was a cherished brother to Pam (Dave) and Barrie (Minkie) and an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews in the UK and South Africa. He was predeceased by his parents Reginald and Maisie and in-laws Roy and Betsy.

Tony was born in 1938 in Birmingham, England. He spent much of his childhood living in the Middle East and South Africa due to his father’s job. He and his family returned to England (Chester) and he completed his school years. After secondary school, he trained as a physiotherapist at Salford Group Hospitals where he met his future wife Celia. Following their marriage, birth of their first child and working in England for a number of years, Tony, Celia, and their young son moved to Canada where they settled in Thunder Bay and their daughter was born a few years later. Tony became the head of the Physiotherapy Department at Port Arthur General Hospital and worked there for almost 30 years until his retirement. After enjoying many retirement years in Thunder Bay, Tony and Celia relocated to the Village by the Arboretum in Guelph to be closer to their grandchildren.

Tony lived a very full and active life. He enjoyed many activities over the years such as sailing, running, cycling, curling and cross-country skiing. He was also active in the community spending almost 30 years as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Thunder Bay and was later a member of the Guelph-Wellington Men’s Club and the Chair of the Social Committee for the Village by the Arboretum in Guelph. Tony, along with Celia, especially enjoyed camping and travelling. They have travelled extensively throughout their years together visiting many parts of the world such as Canada, the US, the Caribbean, Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Polynesian Islands. Tony was also well known for his life long hobby of magic. He has performed numerous magic shows throughout his many years at birthday parties and various functions. Although Tony experienced significant health issues during the past few years, he very much enjoyed socializing with friends and family and continued attending events at the Village Centre and participating in the weekly putting group when he was able to.

For their care of Tony while in hospital and at home, the family would like to thank and commend the staff of Guelph General Hospital, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Arbour Family Medical Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph, Paramed Guelph, Care Partners, VON, Bayshore Health Care, CBI Health, as well as, Dr. Ting, Dr. Dicu, Dr. Gubert, and Dr. Bishop. A special thank you to Pastor John Adeyemi and the members of Arkell United Church.

Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St. Guelph, where private cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 22 at 2 pm at Arkell United Church, 600 Arkell Rd/Watson, Arkell with visitation from 1 pm and reception to follow the service in the church hall. The service will also be streamed and the link will be posted at a later date on www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com

As expressions of sympathy if wished, the family would appreciate donations to Arkell United Church, Guelph General Hospital, or a charity of your choice.