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In memory of
Dr. Robert Clayton Gibson III
August 28, 1939 - January 21, 2021
Aug 28, 1939 - Jan 21, 2021
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
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Robert's obituary
Bob was connected to many activities and professional medical groups. Collectively, the family would take comfort in hearing about his adventures from around the world. Bob was happy back-country skiing, running, cycling, and exploring new places. Much to his kids' chagrin, there was not a roadside sign that Bob wouldn't stop to read as he gazed at whatever landmark it honored. Every. Single. Sign. His sense of humor was contagious, and he was a fun travel-mate to those who accompanied him on his adventures.
"Dr. Bob" was well-loved at St. Vincent Hospital. His specialty was cardiology, and his expertise quickly grew to include critical care medicine, and he would spend time caring for cardiac patients in the ICU. He was a knowledgable and well-loved teacher. Residents who span the past three decades still kept in touch with Bob long after they had established medical careers of their own.
Bob worked with World Vision in the 80's to assist with the widespread famines in Africa. He returned happy but terribly skinny. Of course, he was giving his food rations to the children who gathered around him, clinging to this kind man. In the late 80's, Bob returned to the US from Zaire with a little girl and her father. The girl had a hole in her heart and her isolated rural village prevented her from receiving the care she needed. They stayed with the Gibson family until the little girl had surgery and recovered. She is now a wife and mother in Zaire.
As Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana, Bob was watching the events develop on tv while he packed his bag to go help as a member of Northwest Medical Teams (Medical Teams International). Displaced survivors were housed in a football stadium. During an exam, a woman told Bob that all she wanted was a candy bar. Bob left the stadium and bought her two.
Bob was one of the first responders to the tragic earthquake wreckage in Haiti. He worked tirelessly with his team to help survivors.
While in Afghanistan with Northwest Medical Teams, Bob was always on the front lines to provide medical help to those most in need. He was shot at on one occasion, and the bullets flew by him a bit too close for comfort. His daughters were sworn to secrecy lest Martha worry about his safety. I guess the cat is out of the bag.
The loss of Bob is huge for the family. His wife, Martha "Muff" Gibson, a retired RN, single-handedly took care of Bob in every way, allowing him to die at home with dignity. Their love and dedication to one another was remarkable.
Please share your memories/photos of Bob on this website.
In lieu of flowers, the Gibson Family asks that donations be made to Parkinson’s Disease research, Medical Teams International, or a charity of choice.
To honor his memory, perform a random act of kindness for a stranger. Buy a homeless person a meal, pay the bridge toll of the person behind you, give a compliment to someone who needs a boost. That's what Bob would do.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
$350.00
Raised by 2 people
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a gift to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
$350.00
Raised by 2 people
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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Created with love by
Julie Gibson (Robert's daughter).
