Donald W. Gibbs - Goodbye My Friend
“Ham radio brought us together, and though you’ve gone silent, your presence will always remain.”
I am deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was more than a fellow club member to me—he was a close friend and a true inspiration who got me back into ham radio. Don’s passion for ham radio and his unique spirit brought so much to our club and to my life personally. He taught me a lot. I will always cherish the many conversations we had, both on the airwaves and in person.
I am especially grateful that I was able to speak with him on Thanksgiving Day. That conversation will remain a cherished memory for me.
Thank you to everyone who supported Don and his family through these most difficult times. Your kindness and care meant so much to Don and truly embodies the spirit of this community.
As we wait for further details, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to his family and to everyone in the club who will undoubtedly feel the loss of such a wonderful man. Please let me know if there is any way I can help with arrangements or if there’s anything we can do as a club to honor his memory.
Rest in peace, Don. You will be missed, but your legacy will always live on in the friendships you built and the lives you touched.
73,
Silent Key Ceremony
Obituary
Donald W. Gibbs of Kirkwood, PA died peacefully on the afternoon of December 4th, 2024. He was the widower of Martha T. Gibbs, his loving wife for thirty-eight years, who passed away in 2014. He is survived by his brother, Bruce Gibbs & wife Eva of San Rafael, CA, his son, Ashley B. & wife Lauren, and his two grandchildren, Blake & Mariah.
He grew up in nearby Oxford, PA, Chester County and was a graduate of Oxford High School. He attended The University of Delaware in Newark, DE where he received his B.S. and then went on to earn his O.D. from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, PA. Upon graduation, he opened his optometry practice in Oxford where he served the local community until his retirement in 2013.
Don was a dedicated amateur “ham” radio enthusiast from an early age. He also enjoyed aeronautics, having built, and flown his own gyrocopter. He was an avid model airplane hobbyist as well, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail through his many creations over the years.
Funeral service will be at Crossing Jordan Church (Old Wesley), 7 Wesley Rd, Quarryville, on Saturday, December 7th at 10:00am with Pastor Blake Deibler officiating. Private family interment will follow in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Fulton, MD. There will be a viewing on Friday, December 6 at Reynolds and Shivery Funeral Home, 144 East State Street, Quarryville from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice & Community Care or the ALS Association.
Gallery
To our Silent Key: 73 and Godspeed. Your signal was a beacon of friendship and passion. Until we meet again my friend.
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