GIBSON, Michael David

It is with a sad spirit that we announce the passing of Michael David Gibson of Sarnia, Ontario. He passed very peacefully at the Bluewater Health Palliative Care Ward on July 21/26 on his 72nd Birthday...a full-circle moment! We are deeply appreciative of the Palliative Care Doctors, (Dr. Crombeen and Dr. McSweeney) and the entire team of Palliative Care Nurses, who provided such tender end-of-life care.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, Margaret Gibson and Dr. Glen Gibson. Mike will be warmly remembered by his sisters, Kathleen Gibson-Giurlanda and Caroline Gibson, his brother-in-law Peter Capello, and his nieces and nephews.

Mike enjoyed a long career as a Process Operator at Imperial Oil. His passion was honing his golf game. His many adoring friends referred to him as "Gibb", "Gibby", or oftentimes "Giggles",  because of his infectious laugh. Mike truly valued cameradery and took great pleasure in cavorting with his 'good-time' tribe at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club, both on and off the Course.

As the old adage goes, "it takes a village." I am Immensely grateful to Janet Griffin, the Health Care Coordinator of Ontario Health at Home. Were it not for her seamless coordination with Care Partners, Bayshore, and the implementation of Occupational Therapy Equipment, Mike would not have been able to remain at home for as long as he did. 

Thank you to the many 'merciful' Personal Support Workers through Care Partners, who always treated Mike with such kindness and dignity. I was blessed to witness both AK and Gary in action.

Thank you to all of the many Nurses through Bayshore, who cared for Mike with such empathy. To Nurse Kayla LaNeve,...Mike had such a soft spot for you. You were always so present with him. Thank you for holding space for Mike, for providing a safe harbour when he was most vulnerable. Your unwavering, benevolent care was always a constant. I am eternally indebted to you.

Thanks so very much to the other 'Angels of Mercy' who attended to Mike so compassionately during his time of need. Thanks to my sweet Bestie, Cheryl Kelly, who graciously made home visits to cut Mike's hair. It meant the absolute world for Mike to feel well-groomed. 

Thanks to Brian and Bev Gilbert...thanks for frequently checking in on your beloved buddy and letting him know that he was never far from your mind.

To Tanis Wright...thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know what I would do without you. You were, and are, my loving, reliable Rock! You were consistently, and so selflessly on standby, and at a moment's notice, readily available to lend an ear and helping hand to Mike. You not only lifted his spirits, but made him feel both seen and valued. And thank you so very much for being a constant presence with Jett, (your loving and emotionally attuned) therapy dog, the last four days of Mike's life. Mike was often asleep as Jett watched over him in the chair next to the hospital bed. When Mike would awaken, Jett would gently crawl on the bed to snuggle with Mike. To witness Mike's eyes light up was deeply touching and incredibly healing.

Thanks ever so much to Alberto Silva, for always tending to Mike so unconditionally and with such devotion...unfailingly available at any hour, day or night...many times late into the night. You are an absolute Godsend and a true "Gentle-man."

Last of all, my sincere thanks to Lindy and Todd Wagner. Lindy, your goodwill speaks volumes, and you always did it with such warmth. How kind of you to continue to generously prepare countless meals for Mike. He adored you. And Todd...where do I begin? Thank you so much for always keeping Mike laughing...you were his 'partner in hilarity.' You were such a blessing, especially when it counted most...true friendship personified. May you take great comfort in knowing that you were not only Mike's mainstay (through thick and thin), but also his shoulder to lean on, his trusted confidante, his tower of strength, and his enduring loyal aide. You're a rare find.

I would guess that all who shared a "space in time" with Mike, would agree that he always exuded a 'glass is half-full' optimism, even as his health was failing. It never stopped him from seeing the 'Good and Beauty' in Life.

May we all hold his memory close to our hearts, and may his memory even inspire a chuckle. He would want that. He was undeniably, a 'gentle giant' with a 'warrior spirit' and a 'heart of gold.' A whole lot to love, a whole lot to miss.

RIP Good-natured, Beautiful Soul!.

Cremation has taken place at Lakeview Cemetery and there will be no Funeral Service, as per Mike's wishes.

Those wishing to Celebrate Mike's Life are kindly invited to consider a donation to Bluewater Health Palliative Care, St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, or Charity of their choosing.

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