Obituary of Burton Frederick Gibson

Burt passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the age of 93.  Burt was born in Moose Jaw, the only child of Fred and Betty Gibson.  He spent his childhood there and in the town of Wolseley.  It was while helping his parents as a young boy that he developed a strong work ethic and the desire to always help his friends and neighbours.  This he never wavered from his entire life.

Burt had a keen interest in automobiles.  In 1946, at the age of 18, he purchased his first vehicle, a 1931 Ford Model T.  He took great pride in the care and maintenance of all the cars he owned.  While attending Reliance Business School in Regina he met Lois Chesworth.  They were married in 1952 and made their home in Shamrock where he worked as Station Agent for the C.P.R.  In 1960 they moved to Craven where he worked alongside his father in operating Gibson’s Clover Farm Store.  After his Dad’s retirement he began a new career with the Credit Union at Birch Hills.  Burt, Lois, their daughter, Julie and son, Ron embraced small town Saskatchewan life!  In 1989 Burt and Lois moved to Regina where a long retirement gave them the opportunity to pursue a variety of interests.

Burt was a gifted athlete and long-distance runner, often enjoying a run with his good friend, Neil Child.  He ran several full marathons including those in Regina, Prince Albert, Winnipeg and Honolulu.  He followed the Riders and Blue Jays and had a keen interest in Formula One racing. His greatest passion, however, throughout his life, was hockey - both as a player and a spectator.  He could still be found lacing up his skates into his 80’s.  An avid bird watcher, Burt was a member of Nature Saskatchewan and operated the Blue Jay Book Shop from their home.  In 2000 he was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” by Nature Saskatchewan.  He had a strong interest in world affairs and current events.   Despite his accomplishments and wisdom he was a very unassuming and humble man.

Above all else, Burt was devoted to his family.  In 2017 he moved to Harbour Landing Village to be with his wife, Lois. The care provided by the extraordinary staff and the friendship of the other residents made this a place that he could call home.  Burt was predeceased by his wife, Lois in 2018.  Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Julie (Fred) Cockburn; son Ron (Blanca) Gibson; granddaughter, Glenda (Trevor) Knez; grandson Tim (Megan) Cockburn; and great grandchildren, Porter, Ally, and Colter Cockburn and Piper and Casey Knez.

In keeping with Burt’s wishes there will be no funeral service.

Friends so wishing may make a donation to Nature Saskatchewan (naturesask.ca).  Flowers gratefully declined.   A heartfelt thank-you from Burt’s family to Harbour Landing Village for their love and incredible care of Burt in his last few years.