Donate in honor of John "Skip" Gibson
John Gibson, lovingly known as Skip, passed away at home on June 3, 2026, at the age of 73 after a courageous journey with cancer. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, kind heart, unwavering work ethic and the simple joys that brought meaning to his life.
Gifts in memory of John "Skip" Gibson will support the Cancer Center at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.
Donations
John “Skip” Gibson
November 15, 1952 – June 3, 2026
Skip was born on November 15, 1952 in San Jose, CA to Jack and Marge Gibson. His childhood was spent in Los Gatos, CA, Fallon, NV and Visalia, CA.
His lifelong newspaper career of more than 42 years took him from Visalia, CA to Fort Collins, CO, Reno, NV and Springfield MO, with site visit travel to many other locations along the way. He finally landed in Bellingham, WA where he retired as Operations Director for The Bellingham Herald. He had a lasting impact on the employees at each of the locations he worked at during his career with Gannett and McClatchey. He streamlined efficiency, was a creative problem solver and found ways for his employees to be engaged and passionate about their jobs and contributions they made. His resourcefulness and creativity allowed him to fix anything except the cancer.
Skip found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He had a lifelong love of trains and was always fascinated by their history and craftsmanship. He enjoyed traveling, especially the annual trips to Cannon Beach, Oregon, where the beauty of the coast brought him peace and joy. Whether near the ocean or any body of water, Skip appreciated the calm that nature provided.
Skip took pride in his family heritage and ancestry, taking the time to research and document his genealogy back many generations. A particular point of pride was his ability to trace his direct lineage as a Mayflower descendent. His interest in family heritage and history was something that he enjoyed sharing with his family through emails, stories, documents and heirlooms.
Photography was another of his passions. Through his camera lens, he captured moments and scenery that reflected his appreciation for the world around him. At home, Skip took tremendous pride in meticulously maintaining his house and yard. His attention to detail and dedication were evident in everything he cared for, creating a home that reflected his character—orderly, welcoming, and well loved - and a place to share delicious meals prepared by Skip and his wife, Pam.