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GIBSON, Bruce Victor - October 5, 2011 (December 6, 1917 to October 5, 2011) Bruce passed suddenly, a mere two months shy of this 94th birthday. Bruce was deeply saddened by being predeceased by his first wife, Florence when she was only 46 (1969) and their youngest son, Robert at 57 in 2009. Now, Bruce will be as dearly missed by his surviving son, William and their daughter, Wendy; his two adored daughters-in-law, Arlene and Heather, let alone his three beloved grandsons, Michael, Justin and Alexander. As Bruce lost Florence so early, he did remarry eventually. Bruce will forever remain in the hearts of Evelyn, his second wife, and stepson, David Owen. Bruce thoroughly enjoyed the company of his sister-in-law, Bernice and brother-in-law, Richard. After retirement Bruce and Ev wintered in Florida, leaving behind Montreal winters.
Bruce and Ev were married for 30 years. "Awesome Bruce" was the epitomy of the dedicated, loving and completely involved father and husband. This innate athletic, adventurous, fun-loving man and his wife had their children snorkelling in the Carribbean as youngsters, and, skiing in the Swiss Alps as teens. The family (much indebted to his life career of 38 years, 10 months and 18 days with Air Canada), was thus abled to see so much of the world. Bruce, being the Air Canada lATA representative, travelled, often with Florence, to many parts of this planet. In those years in between "youngsters and teens ". Bruce had his family water-skiing and camping everywhere from the Apalachian Mountains, and boating the waterways from Kingston back to their Montreal home. As adults, they added golf to the family sporting list. Bruce and Evelyn added bicycling and rode Victoria/Sidney at 88! Bruce played his last round of nine holes only three weeks prior.
Simply an amazing man in all areas of his life. Bruce had a creative side that came into play both with AC, and, in his personal life. He proved himself to be a very accomplished artist. Bruce painted spectacular landscape oil paintings, with enough for all his family to proudly own. Dearest Bruce was a long-time member of the Legion, where he and Ev danced many a night away. Quality fathers such as ours are rare, and we both know, and acknowledge how truly blessed we were to have him and his wisdom in our lives. Bon Voyage Dad, Grandpa and Husband. Dad you were our rock. 640429
Bruce Victor Gibson Past Distict Director for Vancouver Island & Gulf Island JUN 1993 - JUN 1996.
Bruce's years of service with Air Canada were 38 years 08 months and 21 days when he retired Dec. 31, 1977. After retirement he worked as a consultant for the CN Marines for approximately 9 months in 1978. At the age of 21 Bruce Gibson flew in a 12 seater, the owner of which was J.P. Bickell, a mining magnate owner, who parked his plane outside the Air Canada gate for free and said "anybody who wishes to go up in the plane can go".
Bruce started his career as a Passenger Agent, one of the first passenger agents at Malton Airport, in an old farmhouse, on April 10, 1939. Frank Fisher, who was an old bush pilot and who was the Station Manager at the time would tell Bruce "do you want to go up any time" and Bruce would always accept and once or twice took control of the plane. They flew over Toronto and back. Bruce checked in passengers two flights a day, the old Lockheed 10 passengers, one going east, one going west. Bruce sometimes would go up with the pilots when they had to check them for serviceability, and when he would be asked to accompany them, he would be very agreeable.
After retiring to Victoria in 1987, Bruce accepted the position as District Director for the Vancouver Island Pionairs and worked very hard doing what he knew best, the Canadian Airline Industry, Air Canada and its people.
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