Obituary of Robert C. Gibson

Robert Cameron Gibson, aged 85, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Nancy, by his side on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.

Bob and his twin sister, Maureen, were born on June 3, 1935, in Paterson, NJ, to Araanna and Gerald Gibson. The family later moved to Long Island, where he attended primary and high school. Bob attended Lehigh University, where he graduated with a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering while enrolled in their ROTC program. He served in the US Army Reserves as a Second Lieutenant for seven years. He later earned an M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

In 1957, Bob sold his car to buy the love of his life, Nancy, an engagement ring. They were united in marriage in 1958 and went on to build a life and family in Ringwood, NJ, and later, Racine, WI.

Bob spent more than twenty happy years at INCO, a research facility, and later, Snap-On Tools, where he retired as the Director of New Product Development. He also served on the board of Racine Federated for several years following his work life. Bob and Nancy enjoyed retiring to Hilton Head Island in April of 2003.

Bob volunteered for his entire adult life. He was a church elder at First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head, sat on the board of education, led Boy Scout troops, advocated for patients at Hilton Head Hospital, enrolled patients at Volunteers in Medicine Clinic (VIM), and participated in many other community projects. Bob loved helping people and his kindness and generosity will be his legacy.

He was an avid photographer, amateur astronomer, nature lover, and a man of science. He enjoyed fishing, sailing, hiking, bird watching, and skiing, but nothing made him happier than being surrounded by family. He took great pleasure in celebrating the lives of his children and grandchildren, and many of them continue on with the hobbies he shared with them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy, and his three sons, Robert Gibson of Ballston Lake, NY, Bruce Gibson of Ringwood, NJ, and David Gibson of Hopewell, NJ. He was blessed with nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Maureen Gibson, his twin sister, Maureen Betterton, and his parents, Araanna and Gerald.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Bob’s honor may be given to Volunteers in Medicine Clinic at PO Box 23858, HHI, SC, 29925.  A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on July 10th, 2021, at The Island Funeral Home, with Pastor Lisa Schrott officiating.  For those unable to attend services will be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/8873458722.