John Swain Gibbons

It is with deepest regrets and overwhelming sorrow that I tell you that my loving and devoted partner and husband of nearly 40 years, John S. Gibbons, died at home October 20th in my loving embrace, as was his wish. He will be sorely missed by me, by our son Chad, our daughter Kirsten, our two granddaughters, and many extended family members. He will be long remembered and missed by hundreds of friends around the world. He lived a rich and truly enjoyable life always reaching out to others at every opportunity, no matter the language, cultural, political, class, or religious barriers. John did not recognize these as barriers, but bridges to fascinating, diverse and amazing friendships.

As John wished, he will be cremated and his ashes scattered by me and Chad and Kirsten. At his direction there will be no funeral or memorial service. He wishes you to remember him as he interacted with you in your life.

If you wish, he would be very pleased if you choose to make a contribution to our favorite community charity, Canal Alliance, in his memory at www.canalalliance.org, or to a local charity in your own community that helps people less fortunate than ourselves.

In the intimacy of the last few days, John stressed in reflecting on his rich and joyous life how an essential component of his happiness was the quality of interactions with friends and family. He asked me to be sure to convey how precious each of those interactions with you was to him. As you all know John, you know he would want to convey these thoughts and feelings to you each individually, as was his way, but unfortunately, that was not possible. Just know that he was deeply touched by you all.

With love and friendship, Neal Brengle

If you wish, please feel free to post this on social media to assist me in reaching many friends I have missed.