He is survived by his three daughters, the Gibbons Girls: Mary, Leslie (Drew), and Louise (Daniel) and his beloved granddaughter, Annabelle; and his former wife and mother of his daughters, Kaye Gibbons. He is also survived by his uncle, Edward, and a host of cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Martin “Marty” and Anna May Gibbons of Queens, New York.
Mike was proud of his career of over 40 years as a landscape architect. He held his title and license in high regard and felt it an honor and duty to ensure safe and sustainable design in each of his professional and personal projects.
He was described as “my best friend” by countless people. His honesty, humor, and passion for trying new things will be long remembered. Mike did all things with unbridled enthusiasm, whether it be trying to surf, dancing at cotillions, or learning everything he could about the Vietnam War as to better empathize with friends who served and either survived or perished. Mike enjoyed playing tennis, swimming and spending time at North Hills Club.
He had a remarkable ability to step into another’s shoes to help them get through whatever they may be experiencing. He also expressed, particularly after his recent 70th birthday, his full awareness that our days on this earth must ultimately come to an end and that when that time comes, he felt his life was complete having raised three girls of whom he was very proud.
The family will gather to celebrate Mike's life at the Gibbons' family home on Saturday, May 5th beginning at 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 6th at 2:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh. A visitation will precede the service from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Brown-Wynne.
Donations may be made in Mike’s name to Greenpeace ( www.greenpeace.org ) or North Carolina Friends of State Parks ( www.ncfsp.org).
Condolences may be made through www.brownwynneraleigh.com
