Gary Raymond Gibson

Gary Gibson, 60, of Murrieta, CA, passed away the morning of Tuesday, September 17, 2019, after a 23-month battle with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. He was at home surrounded by family members. Gary was born in Fullerton, CA, to the late Robert and Eileen Gibson and raised in Whittier, CA. He is survived by his wife Michelle, his two sons Keith & Rory, his four elder siblings, Linda, James, Theresa & Tom, and many nieces and nephews!

Gary had a great love of football and achieved numerous accolades. At St. Paul High School, under Coach Marijon Ancich, he played tight end, earning 1st Team All-CIF and All-American honors. While attending the University of Arizona, he played Strong Safety and Outside Linebacker positions and was drafted by the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers in 1982. He finished his football career with the USFL’s Boston Breakers and later gave back his wealth of football knowledge as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator of Brea Pop Warner’s Bengals. In 2004, the Bengals went on to become Junior Midget champions of the OEC, West Conference semi-finalists and finished among the top 18 teams in the nation.

In his professional life, Gary was a proud union member as a longshoreman on the docks at the Port of Los Angeles and in the tradeshow industry for over 15 years at The Freeman Company.

Gary loved his family and friends deeply and was adored by everyone who knew him. One of the most important and fulfilling aspects of his life was offering spiritual guidance and direction to men who were seeking a new way of life. This spiritual work was the heart and soul of who Gary was, and his love and passion will live on in the lives of many others.

If you wish to donate in lieu of flowers, please consider pancan.org. Donations can be made in Gary’s name.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Martha’s Catholic Church on Monday, September 30, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. to be immediately followed by a reception.

St. Martha’s Catholic Church

37200 Whitewood Road

Murrieta, CA 92563