Thomas Gibbons
January 2nd, 2019
Thomas Gibbons, 90, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at the South Health Campus in Calgary. His wife of 62 years, Edith, predeceased him in May, 2016.
Tom leaves behind his three children, Susan (Keith) of Calgary, John (Sylvia) of Orillia, Ontario, Marc (Nathalie) of Geneva, Switzerland, grandchildren Jason (Sarah), Kristen, Michael, Alan and Bradley and great grandson, Cannon.
Born and raised in Burnley, England to Harold and Ellen Gibbons, he lived there until 1963 when he immigrated with his family to Canada. Tom pursued a long and successful career in the aerospace industry with Pratt and Whitney Canada. He was involved in the development and manufacturing of the PT6 aircraft engine …. one of the most successful aircraft engines ever build, and that is still in production today.
Tom raised his family in Chambly, Quebec where they formed many fond and enduring friendships. Upon retiring in 1990, Tom and Edith embarked on many travel adventures including trips to Europe and across North America with their truck and fifth wheel trailer.
In 2002, Tom and Edith started a new chapter of their life by moving west to Calgary where they made many new friends. Tom became involved with the Iron Horse Park Model Railway Club. His engineering design and mechanical skills were put to the test with building large scale model steam engines. These accomplishments gave him much pleasure and satisfaction in his later years.
Tom was a special man whose good nature, intelligence and sharp mind enriched many lives. He always had a good story to tell and a razor-sharp memory for detail. We will miss him.
A celebration of his long and rich life will be held at the St. Augustine’s church hall (7602 22a St SE Calgary) on Tuesday, January 8th from 2 – 6pm.
Messages:
My Dear Friend Tom. As a long standing member of the 'Alberta Model Engineering Society' and sat as President at one point. It was Tom that welcomed me to the Club, when I arrived back to Canada from 22 years in the US, and was a great help with his vast knowledge, in the various projects I have been involved with over my 14 years in the club. Tom, was my Mentor, and on occasion, My Tormentor and will be Sadly Missed by this Wannabe Model Train Engineer. God Speed My Friend!
Tom will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues at Iron Horse Park. His outgoing nature and storytelling skills made him endeared by all.
Tom was quite the gentleman. Mr Gibbons was very good humored with lots of good stories to tell and always remembered to ask about whatever story you had shared with him the previous visit.
Tom answered my question about what jet engine turbine blades are made of: hasteloy and stellite. He was a big help when I wanted such information.
I have been blessed to have being able to spend quality time with this kind and intelligent gentleman for almost 50 years. I am proud to say that he was a close friend, a mentor and confidant. Not only that, many years ago he was very accepting of bringing me into his family, knowing from day one my feelings toward his wonderful and beautiful daughter. He has been a big part of our family throughout that time, especially having a powerful and positive influence on my children as they grew up to become the wonderful young adults that they are today.
We thought about Tom and Edith on New Year's Eve when we had dinner with Rob and Julie Whitfield. We had shared many dinners with them. c67sgj