Obituary of Dorothy Joyce Gibson

Dorothy Joyce Gibson

(March 5, 1928 - December 23, 2020)
 
Dorothy Joyce Gibson of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on
Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at the age of 92 years.
 
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years, Dr. W.
Garry Gibson; children Nancy Gibson (Keith Kohlmann) of
Racine, Wisconsin, John Gibson (Jean McAllister) of Canmore,
and Carol Gibson Coyne (Geret Coyne) of Canmore; and four
grandchildren Sam Kohlmann, Jimmy Kohlmann, Saidy Coyne,
and Karly Coyne. 

Dorothy was born in Rossland, BC on March 5th, 1928 to Mildred
and Alfred Rowe. She was raised with four siblings; Margaret,
David, Stewart, and Barbara. After Dorothy graduated from high
school, she eventually became the manager of the Medical Clinic
in Trail, BC. She loved her work there where she honed her
amazing organizational skills.

Dorothy met her husband Garry through the matchmaking skills of
close friends when a snowstorm delayed Garry’s travel plans and
landed him at a Christmas party in Trail. The couple got to know
each other through letter writing and were married on August
20th, 1960 in Trail. They started their married life together in
Terrace, BC where Garry taught physical education at the high
school. The couple moved to Camrose, Alberta in 1964 where Garry
began his teaching career of 31 years at Camrose Lutheran
College which has become the Augustana Campus University of
Alberta.

Dorothy supported the college athletics department and sports
teams in many ways along with the students involved in the outdoor program which Garry founded.

She became the surrogate mom to hundreds of students over the years.
Dorothy was also fondly called “Doh” and had an open-door
policy, which led to the hosting of countless guests, friends,
athletes, and students over the years. She filled their bellies with
good food and tea, lifting their hearts by engaging them in
conversations that only Doh knew how to draw out of people.
She will be remembered for her big heart, her enveloping hugs,
keen mind, talented card making, and seamstress skills. She
believed that the Grace of God would hold us up in times of
challenge and allow us to move forward with forgiveness. She
taught us how to take care of each other, and she filled our hearts
with her love.
 
Due to Alberta Health restrictions, a private graveside service was held. 

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering in the
summer of 2021 for all family and friends once health restrictions
have been lifted.
 
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Dorothy's
memory may be made in lieu of flowers to The Dr. W. Garry
(Gibber) and Dorothy Gibson Award for Excellence in Nordic
Sports Scholarship at the University of Alberta Augustana
Campus in Camrose, Alberta.   
 
 
Please forward your memorial gift to:
 
Augustana Advancement
University of Alberta Augustana Campus
4901 46 Ave, Camrose, AB,  T4V 2R3
 

Should you wish to make a gift electronically, please visit:  

aug.ualberta.ca/give2aug   

and direct your memorial gift to the Dr.
W. Garry (Gibber) and Dorothy Gibson Award for Excellence in
Nordic Sports under the "other" option.