Family, friends, students, and education colleagues were among the crowd that came to pay tribute to Charles “Gibby” R. Gibson who passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14. It was fitting that his memorial, held Sunday, Oct. 18, was held at Gibson Field, named after him for his dedication to the North Royalton City Schools. With arrangements of purple and gold flowers surrounding the podium, speaker after speaker described Mr. Gibson as “a wonderful leader, counselor to those in need of support, an active member of the community and a true soldier of God.”
Gibby was born Nov. 7, 1938, and raised in Glenville, West Virginia before moving to Parma as a teenager. He earned his undergraduate degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and his master’s degree from West Virgina University.
Gibby dedicated his career to the North Royalton City Schools, serving as a biology teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal of North Royalton High School. He also coached, football, track, and baseball and officiated high school and college basketball games. He was a charter member of the North Royalton Lions Club, and active member of the United Methodist Church and an avid golfer.
Gibson was the beloved husband of the late Gayle (nee Thompson) loving father of Eric (deceased) and Erin Meeks (Weston) devoted grandfather to Nicholas, uncle and friend to many, preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lucas.
His daughter, Erin, opened the memorial thanking the many who supported her during her father’s illness, especially her best friend, Daniel and her husband, Westin, who she described “as her rock.”
“One of the things I will miss most about my dad will be the phone calls and texts after West Virginia football games,” said Erin. “Dad wore two baseball hats all the time, one from West Virgina and Auburn University. My father was a man of strong faith and lived his life serving others.”
Retired teacher, Denise Daugherty, then took the stage to sing a beautiful rendition of “Morning Has Broken” one of “Gibby’s favorite songs. Lindy Griesinger touched hearts with her performance of “Amazing Grace” as well as a closing song.
Retired teacher, athletic director and coach, Jim Thaman gave the eulogy.
“One of ‘Gibby’s” favorite sayings was; “Friends take care of friends,” said Thaman. “I knew “Gibby” for over 40 years and he had a major influence on my life and the lives of so many. The Gibson family was outstanding. His wife, Gayle, was a wonderful teacher, his daughter, Erin, was an outstanding gymnast and is a successful businesswoman. Gibby’s late son, Eric, was an outstanding student and athlete and an exceptional artist. Gibby can now play baseball with his son in heaven.”
“Mr. Gibson was a great boss,” said Thaman. “I can recall the time that two of our team’s best football players got into trouble just two weeks before the important game against Brecksville for the Gold Shoe.” It was Mr. Gibson’s decision to suspend the players from the game. Somehow, we adjusted, the team and I. On Monday, he called me into his office to ask me if I was okay concerned that his decision would affect our friendship. I replied that we both did what we felt we had to do. He looked me straight in the eye and said; I can’t wait to beat you on the golf course. That was the Mr. Gibson so many of us knew.”
Often, he would tease the teachers he hired saying “What a mistake I made hiring you.” Of course, he was joking and would later say what a good decision it was to put them on the teaching staff.”
Before the ceremony closed, Erin took the stage again, speaking of the very special relationship between her son, Nicholas, who she described as “an old soul” with a special place in his heart for his grandfather. Erin also thanked “The Team” for their tremendous support for her father throughout his illness. School colleagues, Sam and Rena Grida, Jim and Debbie Thaman, Beth and Randy Radtke and Carmen Rademaker, were his support team taking Mr. Gibson to appointments, meeting every Wednesday for dinner, and being at the hospital in the end.
Perhaps the deep feelings so many had for “Gibby” was best conveyed by teacher Randy Radke who said,” Mr. Gibson was a second father to me. He was the most decent human being that I have ever known in my life. He was a true soldier of God.”
By CHRIS STUDOR
Reporter
Photo caption: Retired teacher and coach, Jim Thaman, gave the eulogy at the Memorial Service for Chuck Gibson who passed away on Oct. 14. Thaman spoke of the far-reaching influence Gibson had with students, fellow educators and in the community. Photo by Chris Studor.
