Obituary of Margaret Gibson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Gibson, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at the age of 91 years.

Margaret Jane Gibson (nee Webb)

August 31, 1930 - October 28, 2021

Beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.

Margaret was born to Harris and Evelyn Webb and was raised with her ten brothers and sisters in a big house bult by her dad, on the farm north of Swalwell. Margaret enjoyed growing up in a rural setting and excelled in school. She was an avid reader and life-long learner.

Margaret met Garnet Gibson the year she graduated high school. He galloped by her on his horse and his cowboy hat flew off and landed at her feet. She picked it up and passed it up to him. It was the beginning of a 68-year relationship and a favorite story that was often told to children and grandchildren. Marg and Garney married in 1949 and soon started a family, first living in in Carbon and Nevis AB until they heard the call of the west and moved to BC in 1961 with their three children: Roy, Bonita and Bernard.  

Mount Lemoray was the first stop for the family where Garnet worked on the oil rigs and pipeline construction and Margaret worked in the Café. They made many good friends, and the kids enjoyed the one room schoolhouse and fishing in the creeks. Margaret allowed the children to walk to school, like they used to do in Alberta, until they realized there were grizzlies following the kids one day…walking alone quickly stopped!

In 1964, with true pioneering spirit, the family homesteaded in Bonanza, AB for several years. Many fond memories were made with other homesteading families including the Marshals and Bouks with whom they remained life-long friends. It was hard work, but great times were had working on the land, gardening, fording creeks, and dancing in halls and kitchens with their friends.

Following the birth of their daughter Rena, the family moved to Dawson Creek where Margaret and Garney lived for the rest of their lives, in their little blue house that love built.

Over the years, many friends and family visited Margaret’s house and kitchen on 91A Ave. All who came through the door were offered her undivided attention, food, coffee, tea or wine and an invitation to return, and always with a heartfelt “it’s so good to see you,” with that twinkle in her eye. Thanks to her kindness and sense of fun, the house was full of laughter and love…and the smell of freshly baked bread in the shape of a coffee can, which Margaret was famous for. Many kids visited for lunch during the school days and enjoyed her fried bread or ‘scones’ with lots of butter and honey. They often left with treats, and always left feeling loved.

Margaret lost Garney in 2017 and her daughter-in-law Sonia Gibson (nee Miller) in 2020. She enjoyed her last years at home living with her son Bernard and being visited by many friends and family. She was always surrounded by photos and letters from those that loved her. There were many.

She will be forever missed by her sons; Roy (Anka) and Bernard, daughters; Bonita (Al) and Rena (Bernie), 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren as well as many friends, including Ed and Cathy Sargent and their children, and Ann Bouck (friends so close they are family). 

A memorial service will be held next spring or summer. For friends who wish to, donations may be made in memory of Margaret to the BC Schizophrenia Society at philanthropy@bcss.org.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium